Colin Dambrauskas: Calgary Flames and Expectations...

Colin Dambrauskas: Calgary Flames and Expectations...
- Colin Dambrauskas

I think Colborne will be playing 4th line center tomorrow night.

The Fan960 said the third line is Baert Monahan D Jones, I like it. Backs to center the 2nd line between Gaillardi (sp) & Hudler.

What are the chances that Monahan sticks? I'm assuming the Colborne trade had to hurt his odds a bit.

I see a lot of people saying Monahan has to be in the top six in order to progress but I don't think the Flames are going to have a set top six. They really don't have a top line and I see three perhaps decent second lines. I can't really see one line getting more ice time than the rest.

I can see their top two lines changing every night depending on which line has been playing well and as long as Monahan is in the lineup somewhere he should be getting ample playing time.

What are the chances that Monahan sticks? I'm assuming the Colborne trade had to hurt his odds a bit.
- Nucker101

I don't think the trade really affects anything. If Monahan looks like he belongs after nine games he'll stick.

I think Colborne will be playing 4th line center tomorrow night.

The Fan960 said the third line is Baert Monahan D Jones, I like it. Backs to center the 2nd line between Gaillardi (sp) & Hudler.
- whipper334

From what i read they have Street pencilled in for 4th line center for tomorrow. Would not be surprised to see Colborne in for the Columbus game.

I see a lot of people saying Monahan has to be in the top six in order to progress but I don't think the Flames are going to have a set top six. They really don't have a top line and I see three perhaps decent second lines. I can't really see one line getting more ice time than the rest.

I can see their top two lines changing every night depending on which line has been playing well and as long as Monahan is in the lineup somewhere he should be getting ample playing time.
- Hunkulese

Though I agree, it will be top 9 more than top 6 with Monahan at this rate. And with that being said, none of Backlund, Stajan, Monahan, or Colborne are 4th line centers.

Something will have to give for this to work beyond the first handful of games.

I think Colborne will be playing 4th line center tomorrow night.

The Fan960 said the third line is Baert Monahan D Jones, I like it. Backs to center the 2nd line between Gaillardi (sp) & Hudler.
- whipper334

I think Hartley will give big Joe a couple more practices before he plays. I seriously hope they do not put him on a 4th line with a couple of face punchers. If they do, a 4th rnd pick may have been wasted.

What are the chances that Monahan sticks? I'm assuming the Colborne trade had to hurt his odds a bit.
- Nucker101

Although some do not want to admit it - it does. If you look at the lineup, there arent too many combinations that work with all four centerman vying for top 9 roles. Theres always the chance that a guy like Colborne moves to the wing, but like Ive said, he wasnt brought in to play the wing and that would mean someone else would need to sit.

Given their comments yesterday, I cant help but think that regardless of how well Sean plays, he wont stick. Cant see it working personally....unless Colborne really poops the bed, of course.

I think Colborne will be playing 4th line center tomorrow night.

The Fan960 said the third line is Baert Monahan D Jones, I like it. Backs to center the 2nd line between Gaillardi (sp) & Hudler.
- whipper334

This makes sense.

I don't think the trade really affects anything. If Monahan looks like he belongs after nine games he'll stick.
- Hunkulese

I do think the trade effects Monahan. Burke said that the only way he stays up is if he gets playing time. They want Colborne to become the 3rd line checking center. If he shows he can do it then they will send Monahan back. No chance they are going to want Monahan playing on the 4th line.

I do think the trade effects Monahan. Burke said that the only way he stays up is if he gets playing time. They want Colborne to become the 3rd line checking center. If he shows he can do it then they will send Monahan back. No chance they are going to want Monahan playing on the 4th line.
- nigelwright275

although "technically" Burke said Colborne reminds him of a Steckel type of centerman, who was used as a 4th line guy with the Leafs most often. So...take it for what its worth.

The only way I see Monohan staying up, is if Stajan or Backs gets hurt in the first 9 games.

Colin Dambrauskas: Calgary Flames and Expectations...
- Colin Dambrauskas

As someone who neither likes or dislikes the Flames and roots for an Eastern conference team, I just can't see any way the Flames even reach 80 points, let alone make the playoffs. I do think bringing in Burke was a step in the right direction and hopefully the Flames can be a contender in 3 or 4 years.

I see a lot of people saying Monahan has to be in the top six in order to progress but I don't think the Flames are going to have a set top six. They really don't have a top line and I see three perhaps decent second lines. I can't really see one line getting more ice time than the rest.

I can see their top two lines changing every night depending on which line has been playing well and as long as Monahan is in the lineup somewhere he should be getting ample playing time.
- Hunkulese

Yeah I think Monahan will primarily play 3rd line but with lots of chances on the PP and the PK.

If Monahan deserves to stay he should, simple as that. If he's playing well and they send him done it's like biting off your nose to spite your face imo.

This makes sense.
- FL4MES

Colborne/Jackman the extra skaters so far for tomorrow.

I know it was only one game for them and we haven't played yet, but I must say, I feel good about the bets I made with all my Oiler friends that the Flames will finish higher in the standings than the Oil this year.

Though I agree, it will be top 9 more than top 6 with Monahan at this rate. And with that being said, none of Backlund, Stajan, Monahan, or Colborne are 4th line centers.

Something will have to give for this to work beyond the first handful of games.
- Colin_Dambrauskas

I don't really see the Flames having a prototypical fourth line that barely plays. I can see them rolling with four lines getting similar amounts of playing time.

I don't really see the Flames having a prototypical fourth line that barely plays. I can see them rolling with four lines getting similar amounts of playing time.
- Hunkulese

So do I, but only to an extent. Burke and Feaster both like a physical and entertaining brand of hockey. That said, Colborne cant add much to the likes of Bouma/Jackman/McGrattan on the forth....I get the impression hell be molded as a 3rd line defensive guy who can bang a few in.

I know it was only one game for them and we haven't played yet, but I must say, I feel good about the bets I made with all my Oiler friends that the Flames will finish higher in the standings than the Oil this year.
- FL4MES

Don't spend your money yet.

I know it was only one game for them and we haven't played yet, but I must say, I feel good about the bets I made with all my Oiler friends that the Flames will finish higher in the standings than the Oil this year.
- FL4MES

Let the poop-talk beginulate!!!

The only way I see Monohan staying up, is if Stajan or Backs gets hurt in the first 9 games.
- FL4MES

Which, knowing Backlund, is entirely possible.

Don't spend your money yet.
- BiggE

. . . Already spent it on my filling my liquor cabinet.

As someone who neither likes or dislikes the Flames and roots for an Eastern conference team, I just can't see any way the Flames even reach 80 points, let alone make the playoffs. I do think bringing in Burke was a step in the right direction and hopefully the Flames can be a contender in 3 or 4 years.
- BiggE

There is zero expectation of making the playoffs or really any desire for most of the fan base.

The biggest fear, IMO, is finishing 10th or 11th in the conference and drafting 7th -8th. This team needs to play youth (which they really aren't) and get a top 5 pick with a real shot at #1 overall.

A rebuild takes time

Which, knowing Backlund, is entirely possible.
- Talking_hockey1

Exactly, and Stajan has a history of taking big open ice hits (on the recieving end).