I think the consensus opinion of Wideman is a product of what happened in his final two seasons, which fairly effectively erased everything that transpired before then. Wideman was a consistint 0.5 pts/GP defenseman for his first three seasons in Calgary (albeit he only played half a season in 2013–14). After the 2015 run, his game fell apart. The NHL had become too fast for him to keep up, and he became a bottom-pairing defenseman practically overnight. That's what people remember. Nothing else.
Wideman was good for one of the five years he was here, that's all. His first two were are lame as his last two.
Perfect game to get our secondary scoring going. Big opportunity for Bennett on the second line, Ryan and Mangiapane back together on the third line. If the fourth line can tread water and play good defence/PK, I think the defence/Rittich slam the door.
Wideman was good for one of the five years he was here, that's all. His first two were are lame as his last two.
Coincidentally, that one good year you refer to is the only one where he played more than 60 games. The guy was hurt a lot or suspended in his time with the Flames. I think that has a pretty big part to play in his production.
Still, one is a second line forward (albeit with limited PP time), and one is a second pairing defenseman (who admittedly played a lot on the PP). They shouldn't really be that close in terms of points per game.
I agree with Text in that our most recent memories of Wideman will color our perceptions, but he was a pretty good player most of the time. Defensively a bit of an adventure some nights, but solid in that respect most of the time.
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Originally Posted by ResAlien
If we can't fall in love with replaceable bottom 6 players then the terrorists have won.
Really pleased with these lines. I thought Lucic - Ryan - Mangiapane had some real chemistry in the pre-season (I know). And having Bennett with Tkachuk will give Chucky some backup in the scrums tonight.
Sportselect Info
Kings win = 3.6
Overtime = 3.9
Flames win = 1.55
Over 5.5 = 1.6
Under 5.5 = 1.8
Campbell is starting and he seems to play the Flames really well (1-1 with 0.46 GAA and .988 SV% in 3 appearances) so I expect it will be surprisingly low scoring but provided the Flames play a confident game (by not getting behind early) I expect them to take this one. 3-1 for the good guys. A Monahan PPG, Tkachuk walking Doughty, and Mangiapane off a turnover from massive hit by Lucic.
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I want Sammy to be the second tenant in his head, rent free as well.
It'd be great to see Bennett and Tkachuk both go after him all night and make his life miserable. Doughty is the type that will reward you with a power play or two.
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Im just trying to find a place in Canucks country (Surrey) to watch a Flames game. Even with Shaw Freerange it black the game out. Seriously considering Centre Ice
LAK have good players and are another divisional opponent. CGY need to continue their great play but also have room for improvement. Skate hard, play physical, move the puck quick, exit clean then make plays.
CGY can get in that good rhythm and just show off their amazing abilities. Excited to see them go to work!