[GDT] Kings @ Flames. 7pm MT SNW

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by ClubFlames

Flames are only 5-4 against the Pacific. Need to beat teams like LA to stay on top.

Poor record against the Pacific last season as well and I think it will probably keep them from ultimately winning the division this season. I think this is a big problem that doesn't get discussed enough in that the Flames simply don't match up well against the majority of their division rivals. I would not be surprised the least if the Kings win tonight unless the Flames play considerably better than they have the past few games. I hope Peters has them focused to come out of the gates strong as they need to stop giving up early goals in the Dome.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Vansmack

I don't think Lomberg wins any of those fights but he will probably still throw fists like a madman

Got a win against Kassian last year. Doughty is a baby, and can't fight. Phanuef isn't smart and can't fight. Lomberg wins some of his titles by attacking fast, like Tootoo used to (kinda cheap but when you're a generous 5'9"/187lb you do what you can).

[goflamesgo18]

If Janko continues to produce with those linemates, unchain him and move him up to 3rd line.

[kukkudo]

Just win and keep the division lead.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by goflamesgo18

If Janko continues to produce with those linemates, unchain him and move him up to 3rd line.

Bennett/Janko/Neal = the "should be good at scoring line". Based on pedigree in the case of the first to and past stats for Neal, that should be a dynamite line.

It actually wouldn't be that bad defensively (I keep hearing Neal is bad at defence but I really haven't seen it).

[Manhattanboy]

No reason this team cannot keep the Pacific lead for the foreseeable future.

Much better looking in the rear view mirror.

[direwolf]

Considering how the OOT has gone lately, the Flames really need a win tonight to stay ahead of the Sharks, Ducks, and Knights.

With Smith starting, I figured I'd better post this:

[David Struch]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Got a win against Kassian last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SRDA5JOQCY

[Locke]

Is Peters just sticking with the Hot Hand? I dont get the idea of starting Smith.

He played well last game, but he only started that game to give Rittich his day off. We should be going back to our starter, especially against Divisional opponent, we've got to get the Divisional record respectable again.

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Poor record against the Pacific last season as well and I think it will probably keep them from ultimately winning the division this season. I think this is a big problem that doesn't get discussed enough in that the Flames simply don't match up well against the majority of their division rivals.

Flames have played pretty great so far against Edmonton, LA, Anaheim, and Vegas, who they thoroughly spanked a week ago don't forget. They also completely dominated that game against the Ducks earlier this month and only lost because of two stinkers from Smith, and because that damn building is still cursed.

The Sharks game and the game in Vegas a few nights ago are the only ones where the Flames weren't at their best, and yet they still could have easily won both games, especially against the Sharks where they threw everything and the kitchen sink at them in the 3rd and looked quite dominant in the process.

Overall, I think they match up just fine against those teams, and they've often looked faster and more skilled at times in those games.

[Mass_nerder]

I look forward to the compilation of penalities the refs didn't call on the Kings against Johnny...

[Vansmack]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Got a win against Kassian last year. Doughty is a baby, and can't fight. Phanuef isn't smart and can't fight. Lomberg wins some of his titles by attacking fast, like Tootoo used to (kinda cheap but when you're a generous 5'9"/187lb you do what you can).

I agree he is tenacious. His fight with Kassian lasted about 1 second before the linesman broke it up. Kassian continued to punch plastic as the linesman broke up the fight.

I hope he fights Doughty, it would be a great to have him in the box for 5+ minutes, but as far as hockey fights shows, he has all of 1 fight in his almost 800 GP

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Locke

Is Peters just sticking with the Hot Hand? I dont get the idea of starting Smith.

He played well last game, but he only started that game to give Rittich his day off. We should be going back to our starter, especially against Divisional opponent, we've got to get the Divisional record respectable again.

Are you sure about that? I think Smith started in Glendale because the coaching saw it as a good opportunity to get him back to form, and because they have not committed to a starting goalie at this point of the season. The way I see it ...

· Smith was demoted from starter to not-the-starter.
· Rittich was promoted from backup to not-the-backup.

As for today's decision, Peters spoke in the media about this yesterday and said that Smith had looked very good in practice the past week. I think he is starting because he looks like he can win this game.

[dino7c]

Rittich wasn't exactly great last game

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

C'mon, let the guy have a practice with the team first.

Either guy is gonna play 5 minutes. Lomberg might bring a bunch of energy, which the Flames lacked last game.

Lomberg also shows no respect to NHL vets which will drive a guy like Doughty nuts.

Heh, Dough-nuts. Perhaps that should be Tkachuk's nickname?

[kukkudo]

So if Smith blows it tonight does Treliving make a trade for Talbot?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by kukkudo

So if Smith blows it tonight does Treliving make a trade for Talbot?

Talbot is an interesting proposition. The real question is why the fall from grace? Is it being overplayed, and if it is, can we avoid a similar fate?

And further, do we want to be on the hook for his next contract?

[Har-Calgary]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Are you sure about that? I think Smith started in Glendale because the coaching saw it as a good opportunity to get him back to form, and because they have not committed to a starting goalie at this point of the season. The way I see it ...

· Smith was demoted from starter to not-the-starter.
· Rittich was promoted from backup to not-the-backup.

As for today's decision, Peters spoke in the media about this yesterday and said that Smith had looked very good in practice the past week. I think he is starting because he looks like he can win this game.

I agree with this, I don't think Rittich won the job just yet, more-so Smith lost the job. I was pretty disappointed when Willis reported that Smith was starting last game because I felt it didn't make sense to sit Rittich two games in a row and also because to me it meant that Smith still hadn't lost the job. However, I'm fine with him starting tonight. I don't think Rittich played poorly in his last two losses, but it's two losses nonetheless and you need to play two goalies throughout the season. The last thing we need is a situation where you're afraid to play one. Smith played good in an easy game against the coyotes, give him another start against a mediocre opponent and let him try and exercise his Saddledome demons. But he shouldn't have too many lives left, if he puts up another Montreal game then you really need to start considering bringing up Gillies.

[Gaskal]

Good Gio story from Peters.

Kristen Anderson @KdotAnderson - 21m

Peters said he had to hide Giordano's skates the other day for an optional -- just so he'd take a day off: "I took his skates ... then, I had to tell someone right away because I was going to forget where I put them. He wanted to skate and goes, 'Where are my skates?"

"I said, 'Well, I can't tell you because then you'll go get them.' He's that kind of guy. He's out (on the ice) right now and I'm going to have to go get him and tell him to get out of the pool. He's going to play 25 minutes tonight so he's going to have to get off the ice."

[CroFlames]

Italian machine never breaks?