[News] Flames use one of 4 regular call ups on Lazar

[Strange Brew]

Pretty interested to know what the plan is for Valimaki. Has he lost his NHL starter's job for this year, barring injury?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Pretty interested to know what the plan is for Valimaki. Has he lost his NHL starter's job for this year, barring injury?

I think so. Why push NHL PO play on him at this stage, given his injury, his age, etc. It's just not necessary.

[Enoch Root]

The Flames are very high on him - to the point where he made the opening lineup without any AHL time. Almost unheard of for this team. And we saw what Treliving thought of him at the deadline.

I don't think he's lost his job, I just think that the Flames are taking advantage of him being down there anyway, to allow him to get a ton of ice-time. I would bet that he is back in the starting lineup for good within a couple of weeks.

[Jiggy_12]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Pretty interested to know what the plan is for Valimaki. Has he lost his NHL starter's job for this year, barring injury?

I think the Flames have the luxury of not really needing a plan. Play him in the A until he's ready, bring him up for the last few weeks and see how he adjusts.

If he doesn't get back in the swing there's more than enough healthy depth behind him to not push it.

Certainly if he can get back to where he was, I think he pushes for top 6.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by David Struch

I could see Kerby Rychel, Ryan Lomberg, or even Buddy Robinson recalled if the Flames feel they need some more physicality... who I'd really love to see is Matthew Phillips though.

Phillips had an excellent run of games in December and January, but he has really tailed off quite a bit. I don't think he is close to ready yet—he needs another year.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

The Flames are very high on him - to the point where he made the opening lineup without any AHL time. Almost unheard of for this team. And we saw what Treliving thought of him at the deadline.

I don't think he's lost his job, I just think that the Flames are taking advantage of him being down there anyway, to allow him to get a ton of ice-time. I would bet that he is back in the starting lineup for good within a couple of weeks.

Wills mentioned yesterday that the plan for Valimaki was for him to play a few more games in Stockton, and to have him back with the Flames in the second week of March.

I bet he is on the bottom pairing for the playoffs. While he is ridiculously young, and has only played a few NHL games he has one thing over his fellow LD rookies—he's a big kid; among the regulars only Noah Hanifin and Michael Stone are taller, and only Hanifin and Andersson are heavier. Some people hate the fact that the team will prioritize size, but that is what happens in April, and it seemingly not for nothing.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Phillips had an excellent run of games in December and January, but he has really tailed off quite a bit. I don't think he is close to ready yet—he needs another year.

I don't think this is the time of year to see what they have in him either. If they were out of it, maybe.

His play doesn't scream PO hockey, anyway.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I'd throw Lazar into the lineup just to shake things up. He's hungry and you know he'll add some hustle.

[tvp2003]

If Bennett is hurt I think Lazar is the natural replacement on the third line?

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

If Bennett is hurt I think Lazar is the natural replacement on the third line?

True.

I'd insert Lazar into the lineup even if Bennett wasn't.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

True.

I'd insert Lazar into the lineup even if Bennett wasn't.

Lazar could go in for Monahan and I wouldn't bat an eye

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Lazar could go in for Monahan and I wouldn't bat an eye

Problem: Team having trouble scoring

[bax]

Dube is up to 32 points in 29 games so far this year. I hope he can take another step next year.

[Ozy_Flame]

Isn't Lazar quite fast? Would help us with the rushes up the side. I saw Josh Archibald blaze through the neutral zone and into our end with an offensive rush. We need that kind of jump right now.

[Toonage]

Lazar is fast, but its what he does when he gets to the end of that rush that leaves you wanting.

[Karl]

Lazar gives me T.J. Galiardi vibes.

God was that guy ever useless despite having major speed.

[kobasew19]

Originally Posted by Karl

Lazar gives me T.J. Galiardi vibes.

God was that guy ever useless despite having major speed.

That’s Rico Fata.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Lazar is fast, but its what he does when he gets to the end of that rush that leaves you wanting.

While I agree, sometimes when team is in a funk, a bit of change for changes sake does help.

Plus it's not like all our forwards have been hot lately.

[Toonage]

I'm not against seeing him in the lineup, but would caution people against hoping he provides an offensive spark. He's never done that. What he does do well is gain entry and isn't shy of playing a physical game.

[Luder]

np