[GDT] Flames vs Panthers, 7:00 PM, MST. Sportsnet West, Fan 960

[kukkudo]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

I think Johnny being in a slump and being out for part of the season has more to do with it than people think. He's a big reason for sales tickets and TV ratings. So even that we're in a playoff spot right now and a lot of things are going alright for the whole team, a frustrated Johnny not playing like the Johnny we're used to watching takes a lot of the excitement out of the game.

This could easily be it! I don't know the Flames need another flashy player who can bring people out of there seats and make the highlight reels etc. I hope Bennett turns into that soon.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by madmike

At least last year we could blame the lack of success on the goaltending.

This year the goaltending has been better (not perfect, but it almost never is), but the team still seems to be very mediocre with no obvious growth from Bennett, Monahan or Gaudreau. Tkachuk, Backlund, Frolik, Johnson and Hamilton have all been bright spots but the rest of the team leaves a lot to be desired.

5 "bright spots" out of a 20 man roster is actually pretty good IMO. I'd also say you've seen a lot from the 4th line, especially Hathaway and Stajan, and for a PTO guy, Versteeg has done well.

Really the reason for fans feeling blah about the season has to do with the three players you mentioned, plus Gio and Brodie all being less than expected. I think all of them are good enough to turn it around, and if the Flames are in a PO spot now with their top players underperforming, just think how it will be when that happens.

[direwolf]

Just get the 2 points. I don't care how. And if they can find a way score more than 2 goals, that would be a bonus.

[northcrunk]

Why is Chaisson still playing on the top line? Does he have blackmail photos of GG?

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

Why is Chaisson still playing on the top line? Does he have blackmail photos of GG?

Defence and size. Who did you want on RW?

[Toonage]

Also, Chiasson isn't on the top line.

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Defence and size. Who did you want on RW?

Ferland (before hurt), Brower, Versteeg. There are plenty of options. Move Johnny to RW and slot Bennett on the left.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

Ferland (before hurt), Brower, Versteeg. There are plenty of options. Move Johnny to RW and slot Bennett on the left.

There aren't plenty of options. Chaisson is more consistent than Ferland, who isn't an option now anyway. Versteeg and Brower are with Monahan. Brouwer is with Monahan on the right. That line was great earlier in the season and got the only goal last game.

What makes you think Johnny would be better out of position? And who is centre between those guys? Monahan? If so, who is C between Brouwer and Versteeg? Are you calling up Jankowski to be 2/3 C? Or Stajan (putting Freddie as C on the now much diminished 4th line)?

[dissentowner]

Tonight has to be the start of the pedal to the medal every game like the last game against Edmonton. Play like that and this should be 2 points tonight.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Tonight has to be the start of the pedal to the medal every game like the last game against Edmonton. Play like that and this should be 2 points tonight.

metal

[Racki]

Originally Posted by mikephoen

The team is about where I expected (battling for a wildcard spot, or maybe the #3 spot in the Pacific), but somehow I'm just not enjoying the games that much.

This is the point that I was trying to make. They are pretty much where I expected them to be but I just haven't enjoyed watching like I used to for some reason.

[puckedoff]

I think GG should put Tkachuk and Geaudreau together for a bit to try to spark Johnny. (Youthful enthusiasm and all that)

[dino7c]

Johnny is still setting guys up left and right...just nobody finishing

his "slump" also includes a stolen EN goal (amazing work on that one) and he was a half inch away from being the hero in Edmonton

Obviously they need another skilled player in the top 6 but that is easier said than done

[FBI]

Do something to get me excited again Flames.

I'll predict Flames lose 0 to -1.

[northcrunk]

I think with the way Johnny sees the ice he would be fine on RW. Jankowski looked pretty good when he was up and I would like to see more than 1 game of him in action.

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

metal

I think it's "petal to the medal" but I'm not 100% sure.

[Rollin22x]

Originally Posted by the2bears

I think it's "petal to the medal" but I'm not 100% sure.

everyone knows it's peddle to the meddle!
Flame swin 4-2

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Rollin22x

everyone knows it's peddle to the meddle!
Flame swin 4-2

Originally paddle to the middle.

[Rollin22x]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Originally paddle to the middle.

reference to canoeing or hazing?

Johnny puts on some highlight moves tonight and scores 2!

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Defence and size. Who did you want on RW?