GDT: Movember 3rd - Flames @ Blackhawks [5:30pm on Sportsnet West]

[DCDM]

I am really excited to see what Berra can do, but I hate the Hawks so I'll have beer in close proximity for this one. GFG!

 

[InfinityIggy]

Anyone else feel like Russell has been an unsung hero of late?

 

[Anglesmith]

Won't be able to watch this one.

 

[CPRSRPUNKS]

6- 1 Hawks. Watch. I love the flames, but this doesn't end well. In fact, it ends very badly.
Cammy scores the lone goal on a PP.

 

[Lunatik]

 

[Pirate King Luffy]

Anyone else feel like Russell has been an unsung hero of late?

I had faith in him when we got him. I told everybody he was much better than Butler. He was always decent he just got pushed out by the acquisitions of JBo and Leopold.

 

[MC Ride]

Anyone else feel like Russell has been an unsung hero of late?

Yup. He's been real solid and has been playing crazy minutes after Gio was injured

 

[Kanye]

One of my fantasy teams is gonna love this game!

/inb4 1-0 game

 

[Anglesmith]

I was also a big-time advocate of Russell when we got him, so let me share in the glory!

Of course, I was also a big-time advocate of Shane O'Brien, so I'm batting .500.

 

[Ace Rimmer]

I still don't get how Backlund is supposed to generate any offense playing with McGratton and Jackman.

A good player elevates the play of those around him.



At least he's playing.

 

[Johnny Hoxville]

Bulin also has sick stats against us, but maybe we can surprise them.

GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Flamesfan13]

If the hawks under estimate us i think the flames win 3-2. If the hawks come to play, 5-1 hawks.

 

[Calculon]

The Chicago Blackhawks take aim at their longest winning streak of the season on Sunday when they host the Calgary Flames in a battle at the United Center.

Chicago has scored five goals or more in winning each of its past three games to match another three-game run this season from Oct. 11-15. The defending Stanley Cup champions also have suffered just one regulation loss over their last 11 contests, going 8-1-2 during that stretch.

After pounding the Jets by a 5-1 score in Winnipeg on Saturday, the Blackhawks return home to face a Flames team they have dominated in recent years. Calgary has lost 10 straight in Chicago and hasn't earned a victory in the Windy City since beating the Blackhawks, 4-2, on March 16, 2008.

TSN

Might as well move Backlund to wing or trade him for a young (<24) defensemen if they're just going to put him in a position to fail. Should be interesting to see how Berra does, Hartley's certainly tossing him in the deep end right away.

Mikael Backlund, after being scratched Wednesday, returned Friday as the fourth-line centre.

In little more than eight minutes of ice time, he was plus-one, with a takeaway. He won four of his seven faceoffs.

“The minutes I gave him, it’s pretty unfair for me to judge Backs’ game,” said Hartley. “You see him work. I have lots of time for Backs. It’s a matter of keep working hard, keeping a positive attitude, which he has. He’ll be fine.”

The coach added that newcomers Sean Monahan, 19, and Joe Colborne, 23, are cutting into Backlund’s workload.

“It’s part of the battle,” said Hartley. “That’s what I told him, ‘Monahan and Colborne came in and kind of stole some of your ice time.’ That’s the competitive nature of this business. I told him, ‘You have to fight back. You have to push back.’ That’s his challenge.”

Calgary Herald

I disagree with Colborne being better but at least Hartley acknowledges the limitations of judging a player based on ~8 minutes a night.

 

[herashak]

Will be cool to see monahan against toews, should be good for him to play one of his idols.

 

[MarkGio]

Will be cool to see monahan against toews, should be good for him to play one of his idols.

I didn't know Toews was an idol. I'm happier knowing that.

 

[MarkGio]

TSN

Might as well move Backlund to wing or trade him for a young (<24) defensemen if they're just going to put him in a position to fail. Should be interesting to see how Berra does, Hartley's certainly tossing him in the deep end right away.


Calgary Herald

I disagree with Colborne being better but at least Hartley acknowledges the limitations of judging a player based on ~8 minutes a night.

Yes, its nice to hear that acknowledgement. At the very least, Backs should be getting special teams time.to prove himself.

 

[TheHudlinator]

I'm calling it now Backlund for Gardiner.

 

[Kipper933]

I was remembering Khabi are still being dominate against us, but checking the numbers, we've actually beat him 7 games in a row now. Turning around his previous 23-7-1 against us.


It looks like Crawford will be doing the back-to-back though.

 

[Johnny Hoxville]

I'm calling it now Backlund for Gardiner.

Wonder what we would have to add to get Rielly?

 

[Lunatik]

Wonder what we would have to add to get Rielly?

change Backlund to Baertschi and maybe they listen

 

[Johnny Hoxville]

change Backlund to Baertschi and maybe they listen

Most likely, but I still wonder if Backs and Tspoon gets their attention?

 

[Calculon]

I'm calling it now Backlund for Gardiner.

Leaf fans would rage at that but I'd, and I assume the majority of Flames fans would be okay with it. Bolland's out for most of the season and may not even re-sign with them. Backlund's strong two way play would likely appeal to Carlyle, so good chance he'd get more of an opportunity there. Plus he's cheap. Flames obviously need a player like Gardiner.

But I'd bet the Leafs would ask for Baertschi if the Flames wanted Gardiner.

 

[Johnny Hoxville]

I'd do Backlund for Gardiner. I like Backlund better, but if he's going to be used like this, that kind of deal makes sense.

 

[MarkGio]

I'm calling it now Backlund for Gardiner.

Why does everyone suggest trades with Toronto?

I hate trades with Toronto!

 

[MarkGio]

I'd do Backlund for Gardiner. I like Backlund better, but if he's going to be used like this, that kind of deal makes sense.

Yeah, it does. But there's some teams that lack centre depth and have defensive depth. Pheonix and Nashville come to mind.