[Game Takes] Flames 2 Sabres 1 (OT)

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Bingo, I want be super clear, that when I post about Bennett, I'm not picking on you or your posts.

Part of the hangup with Sam is I think most of us expect(ed) him to be able drive a line. That hasn't been the case.

All of the posts in support of him are generally pointing to other factors, except Sam, as reasons for his lack of production, such as his linemates, relative position in the lineup, bad luck, etc.

Absolutely .. no harm taken.

I think he's starting to drive his line now though. I don't think he's driving a top line, but he's become the most talented play driving player on Calgary's third line (in all it's versions).

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

In all fairness...he played really bad last year. This year is much better.

But he wasn't "really bad" last year. He started off fairly mediocre, but by the end of the year was really solid. This gets overlooked.

I agree with SeanCharles that some people were not going to like him ever because of "first round pick, unprotected" (even though no one thought the Flames were likely going to be a lottery team).

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

But he wasn't "really bad" last year. He started off fairly mediocre, but by the end of the year was really solid. This gets overlooked.

Dougie didn't look great for his first 20 games either.

I recall a discussion that it takes longer for defenseman longer to adjust to a new team because they have to learn how to play with 4+ different line combinations. Hamonic was no different.

Look at how Karlsson is doing in SJ, he looks like a fish out of water.