I've said it before, but the Flames are soft and not really built to play against fast, heavy teams. I am really disappointed with Gaudreau, Monahan, Frolik, Neal, and Brodie. All of whom I now have on my trade bait list.
Gaudreau is way too soft and predictable. Monahan is another Jason Spezza. Both are extremely valuable during the season to get you in the play-offs, but don't have what it takes to take you very far. Frolik hasn't played too bad, but again isn't big enough and doesn't score enough. Neal has the size, but no speed and if he ain't scoring he's useless to us. Brodie? I'm tired of his brain farts. Skates miles, but not efficiently and gets caught out of position a lot.
Maybe these guys will make me eat my words and I'd love if they lead us to the next round. I'm doubtful though. If I were Peters I'd make some changes.
Gaudreau/Lindholm/Czarnik
Tkachuk/Backlund/Neal
Bennett/Monahan/Dube
Mangiapane/Ryan/Hathaway
Giordano/Andersson
Hanifin/Hamonic
Valimaki/Stone (Prout)
Smith
My reasoning.
Czarnik has speed, high hockey IQ, is responsible defensively and has gumption. Move "the Beast" to C.
Need Tkachuk and Neal to tag team with crash and bash and net front presence.
Trying to get some tertiary scoring.
4 line steady presence.
Get Brodie the hell out of there because he is dragging Gio down.
HH seem to be the only ones hitting and are steady.
Valimaki looked solid last game and not out of place. Put in another stay at home D that can crunch some people.
Smith has earned the right to play even if this might be his last game as a Flame. Go Smitty go!
This also will give some play-off experience to young Dube and Czarnik, two players that I think the Flames might hang onto next year.