Hand of Gaudreau
Gaudreaubey Baker
The leafs are pretty good this year but the east is also weak
But they beat the Oilers...
The leafs are pretty good this year but the east is also weak
But they beat the Oilers...
I'm concerned about the Leafs 4th line. For some reason the Leafs still pack goons, while we have Backlund and Bouma there. You just know they'll be dirty and will try to injure one of our guys.
Joe Colbourne needs to be big tonight. Prove his former team wrong!
But they beat the Oilers...
All my Vcash on the leafs, we are 2-0 when I bet against us.
Big Ern has a role to play tonight.
Tough boys on this Leaf team, a good way to cool them down, is to punish their goon(s).
Something's got to give on this Flames team however, Backlund doesn't look right centering the fouth line... My guess is within the next three weeks either him or Stajan are wearing new colours.
Big Ern has a role to play tonight.
Tough boys on this Leaf team, a good way to cool them down, is to punish their goon(s).
Something's got to give on this Flames team however, Backlund doesn't look right centering the fouth line... My guess is within the next three weeks either him or Stajan are wearing new colours.
They aren't going to move one of our two most veteran centers because of a few good games from Joe. Not while we are still "competing" anyway.
If one of our 'veterans' is simply not getting time because he is being outplayed by kids; and he has value (which Backlund has, Stajan to a lesser extent)... Then I am all for moving them for areas that require help.
If one of our 'veterans' is simply not getting time because he is being outplayed by kids; and he has value (which Backlund has, Stajan to a lesser extent)... Then I am all for moving them for areas that require help.
Wouldn't surprise me given how well Colborne has done and how desperate we are on defense.
I don't think we have been watching the same games . Neither have been "outplayed". Hartley is shuffling the lines and splitting the ice time just like he has been all season. Backlund was the odd man out tonight and is on the 4th line, he won't stay there though I am sure. Also, for all intents and purposes, Backlund is one of the "kids".
I wasn't making a statement that Backlund was on the fourth line due to being outplayed, but if he sticks there then that's on him. I was saying, if he's sitting there on the fourth moving forward... then he is clearly being outplayed. In general Calgary just has 4 centers that at this point of time are all somewhere near each other as to where they would slot on a good team (2nd-3rd liners). I am certain Calgary won't move Monahan; or Colborne... On the other hand, Backlund and Stajan could be made available if need be.
Also, for all intents and purposes, you were the one one who referred to him as a 'veteran', which is why it is put in quotations in my reply the first time
Backlund's emergence as a strong two way player makes Stajan entirely expendable. Stajan may still be slightly better now, but his experience should help his trade value at the deadline. The Flames are still to thin down the middle to entertain the thought of moving Backlund; maybe if Jankowski or Arnold pan out, but they won't know that for a few years at least.