The Calgary Flames will take to the ice tonight against the Los Angeles Kings who they happen to have been quite successful against this year.
The Flames will have their chance to secure their 4th and final victory against the Kings this year and push LA that much further outside of a playoff spot, ultimately securing their own a little further – something not (one) single analyst could have predicted just a few months ago.
The team has been criticized for their overall effort this year given that most of their success came late in the game, but Lance Bouma who has been one of the heart and soul guys of this group offered that:
"We knew if we stuck with it and played our game and played like we always do in the third period that we'd have a good chance… we did a good job.''
"Everybody's really excited in this room to be in a race like this," Bouma said. "Every game's like a playoff game from here on in. It's very important to take advantage of these points when you get a chance to."
Bouma’s name has come up a lot in the discussion board due to his play, but also because of a few things that I’ve offered about him. And let me touch base on that again as it seems that the consensus stands that I’d trade the guy if I could.
Every team in the NHL needs players like a Bouma. There is no way you can be successful in the NHL today without one or two guys like him – it’s not even up for debate. Where some folks took me the wrong way was toward a “buy low sell high… comment I made a few days ago.
The way that I’ve always viewed hockey management is that you need to continue to improve, every couple of weeks, every year – constantly. There is no room for complacency. With that established, it is of my opinion that if you can move a player like Bouma for pieces that you can assess will further your teams success now and down the road, you do it. There is of course the argument that Bouma’s value is greater than what his stats sheet may offer, and this is correct. But don’t think that other GM’s and coaches aren’t aware of this.
I’ve played hockey long enough to know that a coach takes note of other players who frustrate their team for a number of reason. Bouma has certainly made that list and after so many blocked shots, 110% efforts etc., I’m willing to bet his name is brought up to management or at least to the degree of “get me someone like him…. These guys are your heart and soul, but where my opinion differs is that a guy like Bouma actually carries more value to teams who are playoff contenders, than to those rebuilding.
And this isn’t to take away from the need to surround your rookies with the right vets. Rather to reward said player, in a way, with the chance to move on to greener pastures, while you reap the rewards of promising prospects or draft picks. This doesn’t, in my opinion, send the wrong message to the team, either.
What this does is says “Hey, work your butt off and you have the chance to move up in the line, create a name for yourself, earn a new contract, help take your team to the playoffs, or have GM’s call for you…. It’s part of the business and if any GM calls to inquire about a guy like this, you tell him what his value is to your team and push them to overpay.
Just my opinion. I digress.
Tonight’s game will be very important for Calgary’s continued push into the playoffs and it looks like Jonas Hiller is getting the start against Jon Quick. Calgary needs to come out with energy and not chase the lead against the Kings…but hey…they’ve figured it out so far, I think their pregame scouts have these guys figured out!
Thanks for reading!
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