Well earlier in the season the Flames were struggling to score. They even gave up considerably more goals then they scored at the time. But post changes, they scored 4+ goals per game and were surrendering less. I believe Backlund is the secret to this team winning and losing, him being at his absolute 2 way best makes a massive difference.
Look at the game logs again. I can’t really see a change.
People saying these lines won't work in the playoffs are just people making excuses for Ward having no clue what he's doing.
Run these lines and take a playoff matchup as it comes.
I think they obviously should keep trying the lines from today. I just think they will need to change it later, and I have my doubts against Toronto and Winnipeg regular season. Then again, I think they should beat all the other teams no matter how they structure the lines, within reason.
Look at the game logs again. I can’t really see a change.
Well, look at the stats I posted again because what it shows is exactly how I remembered it as well. Tkachuk-Backlund-Mangiapane were playing absolutely lights out, Gaudreau's line was consistently producing after their slow start and the team looked very confident. They even managed to beat Boston at the TD Garden which was a pretty impressive feat in that stretch and in the last regular season game the Flames played, they got down 3-0 early against Vegas, but then stormed back to tie only to lose in the final minutes of the game. It was a different looking team.
This season so far has a very similar feel. Rotten start, poor play, lot of line juggling, great goaltending early by Rittich saved the team early. Then the final stretch looked outstanding process wise. I can only hope we see much of the same for the final stretch of this season as well.
Well, look at the stats I posted again because what it shows is exactly how I remembered it as well. Tkachuk-Backlund-Mangiapane were playing absolutely lights out, Gaudreau's line was consistently producing after their slow start and the team looked very confident. They even managed to beat Boston at the TD Garden which was a pretty impressive feat in that stretch and in the last regular season game the Flames played, they got down 3-0 early against Vegas, but then stormed back to tie only to lose in the final minutes of the game. It was a different looking team.
This season so far has a very similar feel. Rotten start, poor play, lot of line juggling, great goaltending early by Rittich saved the team early. Then the final stretch looked outstanding process wise. I can only hope we see much of the same for the final stretch of this season as well.
I don’t see where you got those stats and they just don’t match the game logs.
I wish I could get back to the gym. I haven't been to the gym in like 4 months and I hate it.
I ended up setting up my own stuff. Replaced my super old treadmill, bought those bow flex adjustable dumbbells, etc. Not a real substitute but better than nothing.
I saw Matt Murray play twice live a couple years ago - he’s got as much talent as any goalie in the league.
He’s not Ottawa’s problem.
Matt Murray can't here the haters .. He has Stanley cup rings plugging his ears. Bother before he was 24 and both as a rookie technically. He has talent but has an Ottawa problem.
Lisa learned the hard way....
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to combustiblefuel For This Useful Post:
I am a little disappointed that Tkachuk seems to need Backlund so much. I want him to be elite. I want Backlund to need him.
Obviously you can want what you want, but I hope you don't blame Tkachuk for being what he is instead of what you want him to be.
IMO most people on CP got carried away with Tkachuks third season numbers. It was just one season out of now five.
His current career average is .79 PPG which is a 65 point pace per 82 game season. Personally I think that's more indicative of his talent level than the one 77 point season. He's an excellent player that's probably going to give us steady 20+ goal seasons, but he's not elite.
As I've been saying the moment he signed his current contract, I'm glad we didn't end up paying him $10M+ for max years, because one great season does not an elite player make.
Last edited by Itse; 02-28-2021 at 01:56 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to Itse For This Useful Post:
Was watching the TSN/Sens broadcast and thought Gord Miller did a great job (as usual). Also he had Jamie McLennan aka Noodles as his partner if I'm not mistaken. Didn't think he was that good however, but he had quite a few good things to say about Gio's game.
Matt Murray can't here the haters .. He has Stanley cup rings plugging his ears. Bother before he was 24 and both as a rookie technically. He has talent but has an Ottawa problem.
Lisa learned the hard way....
It’s not the same Matt Murray
He was terrible in his last 2 yrs in Pittsburgh also