Neal scatched

[useyourhead]

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl...me-5-1.5105247

I was so hopeful that he would step up in the playoffs, he is officially done.

It's the right move, but it's a shame this didn't work out.

[Five-hole]

Nobody is producing as they should, but that (non) back check on the winning goal last game was just inexcusable.

[keeper34]

Neal-Brouwer-Jagr makes a classic 5th line .

[FlamesAddiction]

I could live with him not producing if he was at least playing with the edge that he used to. Most of the Flames players are lacking the same element, but Neal used to live by it.

It really is why we are losing this series. Yeah, the Flames have been getting bad calls and non-calls, but the Avs have a better playoff gear than the Flames, at least up until now. Neal was supposed to provide that element and hasn’t.

[Yoho]

“Flames Neal takes a seat for Game 5 as disastrous year continues”

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...ear-continues/

[Tyler]

Perennial 20 goal scorer who doesn't even get 20 total points on the second best team in the league. What a bum. Good riddance James Neal.

[Strange Brew]

It's highly unfortunate for it to have taken the Flames to be facing elimination for this to have happened. Not the ideal time for this.

Heard Peters say on the radio that other guys have special ream responsibilities adn not as easy to change them out. In other words, Czarnik doesn't kill penalties, Janko does so that's why he is still in.

Gotta believe Janko sees very little 5v5 ice time, but don't know who picks up his ice time. Bennett may not last long on top line and maybe takes a few shifts centering Frolik and Czarnik.

Or maybe as a unit, these 3 don't play much at all.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Five-hole

Nobody is producing as they should, but that (non) back check on the winning goal last game was just inexcusable.

I was more mad about the Avs first goal...Fly's the zone with a two goal lead in the 3rd period. That turned the game

[timbit]

I think the straw that broke the camels back was his back check on the OT goal in game four.
If he took 2 hard strides he intercepts the pass to Raantunen.

Yes, I realize Backlund failed to cover him and lacked awareness.

[Joborule]

I think BT has to stray away from giving big money to UFA's that are pushing, or over 30 from now on. Each one has blown up in his face.

[browna]

Semi bold prediction is that James Neal scores a crucial goal for the Flames this playoffs still.

As mentioned Janko has looked as bad, if not worse, 5 on 5, but the fact that he does PK is the only reason he stays, maybe even Neal would stay.
I won't be dramatic or clichéd and say that this will motivate Neal. He's been around enough. It's getting a different energy in the lineup without too many changes.

I don't think effort with most of the team has been the problem, it's not being as crisp as they were in regular season and Colorado is jumping on them and coming at them.

[Itse]

Somehow this reminded me that we're still paying Troy Brouwer 1.5M for three seasons after this one.

Troy also had a better season than Neal.

Sigh.

[Looch City]

Omg finally!

[btimbit]

Good move. This series has been all about speed and Neal just isn't

[codynw]

Originally Posted by keeper34

Neal-Brouwer-Jagr makes a classic 5th line .

He may have been slow, but Jagr in his last season was still twice the player Neal has been in his one season in Calgary.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by codynw

He may have been slow, but Jagr in his last season was still twice the player Neal has been in his one season in Calgary.

I also don't think you can compare a legend whos knees gave out on him, to two floaters

[chedder]

Originally Posted by browna

Semi bold prediction is that James Neal scores a crucial goal for the Flames this playoffs still.

That is bold. If we happen to win tonight then Sunday's lineup likely doesn't change. And if we lose....

[Nsd1]

Originally Posted by codynw

He may have been slow, but Jagr in his last season was still twice the player Neal has been in his one season in Calgary.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1119334855878295553

Jägr still doing his thing over in the Czech league. I was a big Neal supporter, one of the people that preached patience but yeah he's been terrible and this change should have happened much sooner.

[Gaskal]

Can't shoot worth a damn, can't hold onto pucks, can't make plays, no hustle, no salt & vinegar on the backcheck.

He should have been bumped after Game 2.

[Shazam]

Dude doesn’t even deserve an r.