Missing Grit

[hansmoleman]

It’s no question this team is missing a bit of grit and character, much like Tre said in his recent interview. If you look back to the year we snuck in and had the thrilling victory of the nucks in round 1, I think we’re missing a guy like Bouma.

Someone that can pick the team up and put them on his back when the game isn’t going our way. We were the comeback kids that year and this year once we got down we basically collapsed. Bouma was a guy that gave his all every single night and was a strong prescence in the locker room.

Guy saw the rink well and played a hard 2 way game, I would bet he could be in Ferlands spot if we were to acquire him over the summer. Here are his stats for the lazy:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p....php?pid=92430

IMO he is what this team is missing. He played well in Gultzans system and would continue to do well with increased ice time. He was a character guy around the room and in the lock room. If you haven’t seen it, check out the video with him and Monny (link below), notice how much he has Mony laughing? That’s missing from Monny on ice and off ice life.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TOlQBi-Hj1g

We should be looking to bring him back if the price is right, I think Brouwer and maybe Dube gets it done with the Hawks in the off-season.

Come on Tre, get the band back together!

[Stanley]

We're missing Bouma?!?!?!?

Good god...

[Hockeyguy15]

What?? WHy are we giving Dube for Bouma?

Hard pass.

[Toonage]

Checks calendar. April 6th.

OP seems to be 5 days late.

[Stanley]

What we're missing is the freakin net!

[sempuki]

What we need is a Grit Index.

[hansmoleman]

heres a new link, other ones arent working for some reason.
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p....php?pid=92430

[hansmoleman]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TOlQBi-Hj1g

[undercoverbrother]

Hans go home you are drunk.

[calumniate]

Hey Ricardo how's it going?!

[sureLoss]

giving up Dube for an UFA Bouma who the Flames boughtout and can't stick with the Blackhawks NHL roster.

We have reached peak... something.

[Looch City]

I think we're missing McGrattan and Engelland.

[Willi Plett]

Maybe we can just get Conroy to lace up.

[smiggy77]

My god...what is happening to CP. Dube for UFA Bouma? We have legit reached HF level now.

[hansmoleman]

Was just trying to think outside the box, didnt realize he was UFA.

I would be ok with a 1 year, 1.5 contract.

[Geeoff]

I think the Flames need more skill, rather than more grit. Flames are already one of the most penalized teams.

[FlamesFanTrev]

You shouldn't have to hire a buddy for one of your employees in order to get them to do their job. You want somebody that gets the boys fired up, make sure they can hockey first and foremost.

[Classic_Sniper]

Is this a joke? All this team has is grit and character. This team lacks skill and talent. This is the type of reasoning why we've stunk for the last 3 decades. As long as I've been a fan, I've seen endless amounts of grit, character and toughness, but never enough skill. We're a 1 line team trying to contend against teams that can roll 3 - 1st or 2nd lines.

For the love of Pete, this fanbase needs to start raising their standards. A few years ago we traded our only 1st line player in Iggy to the Penguins who were loaded with 1st liners in Crosby, Malkin, Hossa, Neal, Kunitz, etc and they didn't even win the Cup. What chance do we have with our perpetually top heavy teams? I'm convinced this team will be mediocre for another 30 years with this constant grit, character and toughness crap. Until this fanbase and organization stops pedaling these types of traits and attributes above all else, we'll never be a contender.

[Drunk Uncle]

While I agree there is an element of grit missing specifically when it comes to guys blocking shots, screening goalies, hitting and standing up for teammates, giving up Dube for Bouma is and absolutely crazy suggestion in my opinion.

The good news is I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good Dube is.

[Huntingwhale]

Bouma used to give it every night. Then he got paid and mailed it in. That's the issue with ''gritty'' guys I find. They have to play balls to the wall every night in order to solidify their spot in the lineup. Once they sign long term and get paid, they seem to mail it in more and more. The league (and our team) is full of examples of players like that. Not gonna name names, but there's bunch of gritty-type players on our team who seem to not give is their all every night because they are a lock to be on the team.

IMO the lack of grit isn't the issue. It's clearly skill and guys who can finish.