[GDT] Flames @ Bruins, 5:00 MST, Sportsnet West, Fan 960

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Good opponent = Flames play good.

2-1 Flames (Monahan, Frolik, Bergeron)

Hence why we suck against the Oilers

[metal_geek]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

Lazar is playing better hockey than we've seen since he was traded here, we already know what we're getting out of Hathaway, nobody wants to break up the 3M line, and Ferland is still inconsistent.

So it's even a better idea that we keep things the same and stay a bubble team. Okay got it.

Ferland May be inconsistent. At this point in time I’ll take my chances with his inconsistent 20 goals over Lazars consistently scoring once every 50 games.

[Funkhouser]

As someone who hasn't watched a single Boston game, what is the source of their success. On paper, they are not a strong team outside of their very strong top line, goalie, and McAvoy.

Is it just coaching??

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

Lazar is playing better hockey than we've seen since he was traded here, we already know what we're getting out of Hathaway, nobody wants to break up the 3M line, and Ferland is still inconsistent.

So it's even a better idea that we keep things the same and stay a bubble team. Okay got it.

Ferland is a top-twenty-producing right winger in the NHL. Swapping him out of that line won't mitigate his supposed "inconsistency."

[FBI]

Johnny with 5 assists tonight to tie for the lead in scoring and tie for the lead in assists.

[ThePrince]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

Lazar is playing better hockey than we've seen since he was traded here, we already know what we're getting out of Hathaway, nobody wants to break up the 3M line, and Ferland is still inconsistent.

So it's even a better idea that we keep things the same and stay a bubble team. Okay got it.

I never understood this. How is Ferland inconsistent? He's put up 20 goals already this year. He can't score a goal every game (or even every 2nd game). If he did, he would be one of the best players in the league, and probably wouldn't be on a 1.75M contract.

You need players like Ferland to round out our top 6/9 and provide production at low cost.

[Toonage]

This game is totally winnable. The Bruins just lost to Buffalo on Saturday. Buffalo! Who does that? Anyway, moving on...

This could be a very tough night on the OOT so I'm hoping for a win or at the least an OT point.

Very doable.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

As someone who hasn't watched a single Boston game, what is the source of their success. On paper, they are not a strong team outside of their very strong top line, goalie, and McAvoy.

Is it just coaching??

Defense...smothering defense and it comes from the entire roster. The forwards come back all the time regardless of the name on the back. The defense is criminally under rated. Krug is a stud that no one talks about. Rask is as good as he has ever been.

Guys have bought in, play as a team the right way, and more than anything are in a division that allowed them to take some time to figure it out and once they did...run with it.

Oh and Patrice Bergeron is a superstar...again .......that no one ever talks about. That line is the best in hockey and i dont think there is a single argument otherwise.

[Demaeon]

Originally Posted by FBI

Johnny with 5 assists tonight to tie for the lead in scoring and tie for the lead in assists.

Will that make someone the lucky winner of the Amway Assist & Win contest?

[gamesaver]

Well thought, we need Lazar to put up 0+0 on the 1st line consistently.

I can't express how thrilled i am tonight with Rittich getting a start. Biggest test for him So far. If he can handle their 1st line, I will brand him as our future starter.

I noticed the team changed his nickname from Ritty to Ritter and calls him that in interviews. Kipper reference?

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by Demaeon

Will that make someone the lucky winner of the Amway Assist & Win contest?

Only if they've purchased a select marked product from their line of health and beauty products (or whatever it is Amway sells )

[Manhattanboy]

I have a good feeling about this one.

[TheScorpion]

Maybe he just loves chocolate.

[Big Erned Nevergivn]

Originally Posted by genetic_phreek

Lazar is playing better hockey than we've seen since he was traded here, we already know what we're getting out of Hathaway, nobody wants to break up the 3M line, and Ferland is still inconsistent.

So it's even a better idea that we keep things the same and stay a bubble team. Okay got it.

So your solution is to promote an AHL caliber player who has shown nothing over 2 seasons, with ample opportunity, to the top line???.. while demoting a guy who is having a career year and on pace for 30 goals?? Seems logical.

I'm all for a shake-up to get guys going, but something like swapping Tkachuk for Ferland or Bennett makes more sense to me. At least put guys with top 6 potential in the top 6.

Lazar may be playing the best hockey since he's been here (highly debatable), but that isn't saying much as he's been luke warm at best no matter where he plays.

[direwolf]

I'm not too worried about this one. The Bruins are a tough test for sure, but the Flames usually bring their A game against good teams, and they've proven that they can hold their own with some of the elite teams in the league.

I honestly get more nervous about the games against bottom feeders, as the Flames tend to crap the bed and play down to their level... like the Oilers.

I think the Flames take this one 3-2 in OT.

[bax]

Just a brief note on our playoff chances- The Athletic's projected standings that are updated daily and are based on 50,000 simulations of the rest of the season and include factors such as opponent strength, current health, rest, etc has us at 70% to get in.

Sharks are at 75%
Kings are at 62%
Ducks are at 45%
Oilers are at 0%

[Braden]

Big night for Hamilton! Flames win 3-2 in regulation

[Poe969]

My wife's friend's husband is a Bruins fan and he's been going off about how this is the B's year and how great they've been and how they won the Hamilton trade because they got good young players for the future and they "clearly don't need him since they're doing great without him". I would give up most anything to shut him up with a Flames win. I wouldn't even brag, I just want him to shut up and the Flames to do well.

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

The Flames are a bubble team because the WC is ultra competitive. They are as close to second as they are to the #5 wildcard. It seems grossly premature to start juggling lineups of a team that has three regulation losses in their last 18 games.

Pretty much agree with this. Looking at the standings there's likely going to be three good hockey teams in the west that miss the playoffs. The Flames need to stick with what's working. I'd like to see them add a depth forward in the next few weeks but other than that I don't think they really need much tinkering.

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

The Flames are a bubble team because the WC is ultra competitive. They are as close to second as they are to the #5 wildcard. It seems grossly premature to start juggling lineups of a team that has three regulation losses in their last 18 games.

That and the piss poor PP and home record. If either of those were even close to average they’d be fighting Vegas for the division title. Hell, if they weren’t the only team that can’t figure out how to beat Edmonton they’d be comfortably in 2nd in the division. Clean up those areas and this team is sitting pretty.