Is it sure that Cervenka and Hudler will not play tonight ? And I'm kind of surprise in expectation Horak in third line with his performance in last AHL games. I expected fourth line and lesser ice time for Horak...
Is it sure that Cervenka and Hudler will not play tonight ? And I'm kind of surprise in expectation Horak in third line with his performance in last AHL games. I expected fourth line and lesser ice time for Horak...
It's a certainty that Cervenka will not play. He has to been seen by a hematologist to determine when he can come off the blood thinners, that appointment isn't until Monday. I wouldn't be shocked if Cervenka doesn't see any action until the end of February.
As for Hudler, his fathers funeral was just on Friday and it didn't sound like he was going to be able to leave for North America until Saturday, I would assume that he wouldn't be back until Sunday at some point, too late to be prepared to play tonight. I do however think he will be back for Mondays game against the Ducks.
All new lines in practice today
Cammy - Backlund - Iginla
Glencross - Tanguay - Stempniak
Sven - Stajan - Comeau(I am guessing he is playing here until Hudler is ready to go)
Horak/Begin-Jones-Jackman
All new lines in practice today
Cammy - Backlund - Iginla
Glencross - Tanguay - Stempniak
Sven - Stajan - Comeau(I am guessing he is playing here until Hudler is ready to go)
Horak/Begin-Jones-Jackman
All new lines in practice today
Cammy - Backlund - Iginla
Glencross - Tanguay - Stempniak
Sven - Stajan - Comeau(I am guessing he is playing here until Hudler is ready to go)
Horak/Begin-Jones-Jackman
I like the top line....2nd line looks ok.
3rd line I am not as sure of. Not sure how those 3 will do together.
All new lines in practice today
Cammy - Backlund - Iginla
Glencross - Tanguay - Stempniak
Sven - Stajan - Comeau(I am guessing he is playing here until Hudler is ready to go)
Horak/Begin-Jones-Jackman
At this point, I think the Flames should just accept the inevitable and put Stajan in the top six.
It comes down to utilizing the available talent most efficiently. With good linemates and decent ice-time, Stajan's good for somewhere around 40-50 points (pro-rated). If Backlund can take the next step and put up similar numbers, then the Flames will still have sup-par centre depth, but it could be serviceable, provided the wingers, a position the Flames the strongest in, mitigate that weakness by contributing more.
Judging by performance in 2 games, and by the new practice lines. I would go:
Baer - backs - Iggy
GlenX - tangs - Stempniak
Horak - Stagan - Cammy
Como - jones - begin
Wideman - Gio
Butler - JBo
Brodie - smith
Line 1 gives the kids a power forward. Obviously he can score and pass. These 3 have been creative so far and put pucks on the net.
Line 2 have all scored and have been the teams best 3 so far.
Line 3 are who I consider the most lost of the FWD. all have potential to put up points.
Line 4 is basically whatever.
Once Cervanka and Hudler return you start sitting the guys who aren't performing.
I'm happy with the D, except when they so make mistakes, the mistakes are usually costly. That's just earlier season jitters and all teams look sloppy at times.
@DarrenDreger: Cervenka cleared by Mayo Clinic to stop taking his blood thinning meds. Will return to Cgy to be cleared. full prax with Club on Thursday.
Looking to debut on Saturday, most likely then, along with Hudler.
James Mirtle put together the average weight, height and age of very teams opening day lineup. Thought it was interesting. Here's where the Flames stood:
I don't think they'll put Cervenka and Hudler on the same line, since they're both cold as of now. I also think Baertschi-Backlund duo is pretty sick, and along with Stempniak it's our most creative IMO.
Move Backlund up with Iginla, I think this will work well given Backlund's play so far.
I'd rather have Tanguay on LW but we have a wealth of talent at that position, he or Cammy will have to play centre for the time being. Tangs was better on faceoffs yesterday, so that's a good sign. And he did put up a couple points.
The third line could just be a killer 3rd scoring line.
I like Horak and Stajan together. Jackman has looked good so far, and you can alternate Iggy and Hudler when we're down in the third period.
James Mirtle put together the average weight, height and age of very teams opening day lineup. Thought it was interesting. Here's where the Flames stood:
All new lines in practice today
Cammy - Backlund - Iginla
Glencross - Tanguay - Stempniak
Sven - Stajan - Comeau(I am guessing he is playing here until Hudler is ready to go)
Horak/Begin-Jones-Jackman
Switch Backlund and Stajan. Although I agree in principle that Backlund earn his spot for big minutes, I'm not sure I want him to be hung out to dry like that. Getting beat in the circle and forced to face the toughest competitors is not good for him right now.
