[Game Takes] Flames 5 Kings 2

[Bingo]

http://www.calgarypuck.com/2017/03/g...mes-5-kings-2/

[FlameZilla]

Curtis Lazar: how to get yourself noticed with only 10 minutes of ice time.

Loved the jam. Loved that he took a Martinez stick to the face but came up smiling like a madman – this obviously means so much to the kid. Loved the takeaway and assist for the empty net goal.

He could be a fun asset to have for the stretch run. Nothing beats a bit of youthful enthusiasm.

[calgarywinning]

Liked the Elliot call for clutch. He was outstanding tonight with some saves when the Kings were pressing hard in the second.

Everything else is bang on. Lazar made some good plays and was noticeable.

I had to think the Tcachuk elbow was a message. Also, what may have been missed is when he was elbowed back hard, Gio came in like a beast... he was ready to destroy. I liked that ferocity he brought to the issue. Gio is definitely back in form, some stellar plays and goals.

Gaudreau was everywhere tonight, mixing it up in fine style.

[icarus]

The Flames may be very happy at contract time that Elliott had such a rough October. Remember that knuckle puck from center ice in Vancouver? …

Wasn't that two losses ago?

[belsarius]

It's weird how Brouwer-Versteeg keep ending up on the poor end of advanced stats, they don't put up a lot of points, get loads of flak from the fan-base and yet that line got the most ice time for the team. Versteeg ended up over 18 minutes and 3 point Johnny/Money didn't even break 15.

I don't know to take that. Is GG resting his guys with the lead, is it trust and ability of the veterans to shut down the game in the third or crazy pills. It seemed to work and I tend to think this is the time of the year where that experience makes a difference on winning games over scoring points, but I just can't understand why you basically bench your top line when they are putting up points like that.

[Imported_Aussie]

Originally Posted by belsarius

It's weird how Brouwer-Versteeg keep ending up on the poor end of advanced stats, they don't put up a lot of points, get loads of flak from the fan-base and yet that line got the most ice time for the team. Versteeg ended up over 18 minutes and 3 point Johnny/Money didn't even break 15.

I don't know to take that. Is GG resting his guys with the lead, is it trust and ability of the veterans to shut down the game in the third or crazy pills. It seemed to work and I tend to think this is the time of the year where that experience makes a difference on winning games over scoring points, but I just can't understand why you basically bench your top line when they are putting up points like that.

I think with Versteeg and Brouwer they just have not found a fit on this team with any particular line, hence why you see a "spare parts" line of 3 veterans, these two with Stajan.

However, come playoff time, veteran savvy may come in handy. Maybe try Versteeg with Bennett and Lazar to see if he can work well with those two guys, but Brouwer just hasn't clicked.

His signing is reminiscent of Mason Raymond - signed to provide middle 6 depth, but made redundant by emerging prospects. I liked the signing back in summer, but see less to like about it now as he has not settled in well. I think he gets exposed so Lazar can be protected. Then the Flames likely get out of that contract without having to worry about carrying a lot of cap hit in the bottom 6.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by belsarius

It's weird how Brouwer-Versteeg keep ending up on the poor end of advanced stats, they don't put up a lot of points, get loads of flak from the fan-base and yet that line got the most ice time for the team. Versteeg ended up over 18 minutes and 3 point Johnny/Money didn't even break 15.

I don't know to take that. Is GG resting his guys with the lead, is it trust and ability of the veterans to shut down the game in the third or crazy pills. It seemed to work and I tend to think this is the time of the year where that experience makes a difference on winning games over scoring points, but I just can't understand why you basically bench your top line when they are putting up points like that.

Versteeg doesn't seem like the guy who is dragging that down, it's definitely Brouwer. There was one possession in the second period where Brouwer had a chance to carry the puck out at the half boards or pass back to the D and inexplicably tries to chip it out, it turns into a turn over with Engelland bailing him out and calmly moving the puck forward.

Versteeg doesn't seem to be the problem, plays are just dying on Brouwer's stick, and he's not making the smart play.

[jaikorven]

Ran out of thanks, but very nice write-up Bingo. Thank you.

This team is just amazing right now. Playoffs are ours to lose at this time. 6 more wins to go.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by kermitology

Versteeg doesn't seem like the guy who is dragging that down, it's definitely Brouwer. There was one possession in the second period where Brouwer had a chance to carry the puck out at the half boards or pass back to the D and inexplicably tries to chip it out, it turns into a turn over with Engelland bailing him out and calmly moving the puck forward.

Versteeg doesn't seem to be the problem, plays are just dying on Brouwer's stick, and he's not making the smart play.

That's my hunch too, though those WOWY charts don't show Versteeg as a play driver with anyone either.

So does this come down to optics with a free agent signing? Or is this keeping the guy that is known as a playoff guy in the mix heading towards April?

[kermitology]

Yeah, that makes sense, he doesn't drive the possession, but he doesn't seem to lose it like Brouwer does.

[tkflames]

Was it just an overlap in line changes or did Versteeg join Lazar & Sam's line late in the game? I do like the speed & energy that type of line can bring.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by tkflames

Was it just an overlap in line changes or did Versteeg join Lazar & Sam's line late in the game? I do like the speed & energy that type of line can bring.

I noticed that too.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Bingo

That's my hunch too, though those WOWY charts don't show Versteeg as a play driver with anyone either.

So does this come down to optics with a free agent signing? Or is this keeping the guy that is known as a playoff guy in the mix heading towards April?

If the goal is to get rid of Brouwer, they can't healthy scratch him. Hawks did that with Bickell and ended up having to package him with Teravainen just to get rid of the anchor. i would hate to lose Jankowski just because we signed Brouwer but that is looking like a very real possibility.

[mikephoen]

Originally Posted by Bingo

That's my hunch too, though those WOWY charts don't show Versteeg as a play driver with anyone either.

So does this come down to optics with a free agent signing? Or is this keeping the guy that is known as a playoff guy in the mix heading towards April?

Versteeg might not drive play, but he has been good on the power play and money in the shootout and his contract is dirt cheap. As long as he isn't a complete black hole at 5 on 5 he has a place on this team.

Brouwer though... I was down to my last straw with Gulutzan and then he got the Flames turned around, so I don't want to completely give up on Brouwer yet. But he needs to start stepping it up over these last 10 games and be a big positive in the playoffs.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

If the goal is to get rid of Brouwer, they can't healthy scratch him. Hawks did that with Bickell and ended up having to package him with Teravainen just to get rid of the anchor. i would hate to lose Jankowski just because we signed Brouwer but that is looking like a very real possibility.

Hyperbole is strong with this one. The Flames are not trading a top prospect to get rid of Brouwer's contract.

[Bingo]

I just bumped the Brouwer topic with this but he was right on his career average until he got hurt. He's been 25% of that since.

He's not 100% in my mind.