How come we aren't giving Ward any credit? Athletic article today was really good, talks about how Backlund and the players came and discussed they what they wanted and he listened. I like that in a coach.
I haven't been Ward's biggest supporter but I did like what I saw last night when Dube came back to the bench and Ward leaned over his shoulder and had a talk with him, clearly illustrating what he was wanting from the player. Never saw Peters do that and I like that interaction on the bench. Players need to have clear direction and correction when warranted.
It does look like he's got more jump in his step after being put back to center.
Oh, I agree - he definitely likes it better. I will say it again, I thought he'd handle wing OK (look how he scores his goals - busting off the wing). And I thought his defensive play would approximate what Lindholm adds. But he always seemed to be getting in Monahan's way - playing too close to the middle.
I guess, unlike Lindholm, Backlund has been playing C non-stop since before the NHL. Lindholm was often a wing in Carolina IIRC. In fact, IIRC, the notion was that he was underused there because of that.
Anyway, it's nice. And like I said in before, if certain players enjoy a resurgence, it's almost like doing a good trade deadline deal. Traded meh Backlund for good Backlund. Think about the possibilities if Gio and Hamonic come back refreshed? Or if JG and Monahan explode. Or even if Jankowski and Bennett start to play to potential.
Anyway, it's nice. And like I said in before, if certain players enjoy a resurgence, it's almost like doing a good trade deadline deal. Traded meh Backlund for good Backlund. Think about the possibilities if Gio and Hamonic come back refreshed? Or if JG and Monahan explode. Or even if Jankowski and Bennett start to play to potential.
This is why I'm not for rentals and want to see the GM ride things out with this group. The answer has to come from within this group. We saw what they could do last year and it's up to those players to step up as it's a lot to expect a winger or depth defenseman to come in to a new team and change the complexion as it typically takes time for them to truly fit in.
"Unfortunately our biggest advantage besides the RW's is our games in hand, and by the time Mcdavid is back we might be caught up in games played. Hopefully we can get some separation soon, cause this logjam is terrifying."
Wait... what's that now?
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"Unfortunately our biggest advantage besides the RW's is our games in hand, and by the time Mcdavid is back we might be caught up in games played. Hopefully we can get some separation soon, cause this logjam is terrifying."
How come we aren't giving Ward any credit? Athletic article today was really good, talks about how Backlund and the players came and discussed they what they wanted and he listened. I like that in a coach.
Thanks x100. I think this is huge. HUGE. Even started a new thread on it.
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It really is amazing how much better the team looks with a 2nd line center.
Backlund has been terrific this road trip, aside from the LA game. If he can shore up the 2nd line, the flames are a much better team.
Gaudreau has quietly looked like his old self the past few weeks. He may not be scoring just yet, but he's back to gaining the zone, or possessing the puck in the o zone long enough to make plays.
Hope this is progression vs just a brief aberration for the group.
Something I’ve noticed for a while, not sure if anyone else notices it.
Backlund seems to give a little extra any time he is up against a fellow Swede. Like yesterday, he gets a break and just powers past Rakell in a situation where usually you’d dump and change. I remember a couple years back he was all over Ekman-Larsson all game one time as well, then just lately he gives Pettersson a rougher ride than he usually does to others.
Maybe it’s just confirmation bias but I think Backlund really likes to prove to his countrymen that he can be a great player.
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Oliver Kylington is the greatest and best player in the world
Something I’ve noticed for a while, not sure if anyone else notices it.
Backlund seems to give a little extra any time he is up against a fellow Swede. Like yesterday, he gets a break and just powers past Rakell in a situation where usually you’d dump and change. I remember a couple years back he was all over Ekman-Larsson all game one time as well, then just lately he gives Pettersson a rougher ride than he usually does to others.
Maybe it’s just confirmation bias but I think Backlund really likes to prove to his countrymen that he can be a great player.
Maybe that's why he hated the Canucks so much - twin Swedes.
I think there is another consideration here in terms of motivation. Last year the Flames seemed concerned about avoiding Vegas and San Jose in the first round, I think that really pushed them to win the division. This year it seems like they can cruise in and get a nice matchup.
I don’t know who that is so will show my age by saying there is only 1 correct response to Shirley you can’t be serious.
Spoiler!
It saddens me that Strange Brew gets 2 Likes for pulling out the quote and using it novelly, while bend it gets 30 Likes for later just recognizing it and posting the gif.
