So the Flames were able to hold onto the lead in game three unlike in game two when they lost it late and so were able to finish with a decidedly average 1-1-1 record in three games. The record doesn't scream: Blue Chip Prospects In Abundance, but the play of certain prospects certainly stood out when watching the games.
The line of Holland, Baertschi, and Reinhart should certainly give Flames fans reason for hope in what, outside of the organization, has been considered a sparse system in terms of talent. The trio was one of the best lines in the tournament by far and created many scoring chances as they really clicked as a line. This year's first rounder in particular certainly seems to have that "game-breaker" type of aura that gets fans to their feet as he is able to turn seemingly mundane plays into potential scoring chances. Reinhart is simply solid in all facets of the game at this stage of his development and shows great hockey sense on the ice and Holland certainly isn't afraid to go to the "dirty" areas in order to be effective. The trio was certainly the brightest spot in the tournament for the Flames.
Small in stature, but big in heart Dustin Sylvester could be an interesting project for the Flames. After not receiving much NHL attention after a successful WHL career in Kootenay which culminated in a 93 point season in 09-10, the undrafted prospect took his agent's advice and went to Europe last season where he was able to put up an impressive 34 goals and 26 assists for Freiburg EHC in 48 games. The production led to the Flames offering the 5'6" centre a contract, and although he'll have a tough time cracking the current Flames line-up, the determination and tenacity he showed in the tournament will certainly endear him to Flames and Heat fans as his career progresses. He's certainly a player to keep watch on.
I've thought throughout the summer that T.J. Brodie was almost a lock to be an NHL player when the season starts in October, but the camp certainly exposed the kinds of issues that caused the team to send him down for more experience in the AHL last year. His offensive skill is undeniable! His work on the powerplay against other rookies was almost unfair as he controlled the puck and the play while his club enjoyed man advantage opportunities, but his defensive coverage still looks like it needs work. At some points in the tournament his defensive presence was less than what it should have been, such as on the OT goal where he was beaten on a play where he should have been able to corral his opponent. His skating, hands, and offensive talents make you excited for what he can bring, but hopefully he can shore up his defensive zone play. Definitely something to look for when main camp opens this weekend.
The Flames stuck with Joni Ortio throughout all three games of the tournament, likely so they could get a good read on what they have in the young Finnish goalie. Unfortunately, for much of the games, he didn't look as strong as the organization would have liked. Despite the fact that the Flames tied the Canucks, and were able to defeat the Oilers last night, Ortio was fighting the puck in all three games and certainly didn't look like he was as relaxed as a puck-stopper needs to be when one is the last line of defense. Of course some of the trepidation and jitters could have been caused by the clear lack of systems and practice the team entered the games with, as no schemes were really able to be implemented, so hopefully with some experience playing with a more structured system, Ortio can find his grove and show why the Flames drafted him.
Ryab Nugent-Hopkins was a scratch last night, but after looking at the Oilers down the middle, the Flames still have to be envious of the Oilers depth at centre in their organization even without the #1 pick. Tyler Pitlick and Anton Lander both have decent size, good skill and offensive upside and likely aren't even in the mix for this season. For someone who has followed a team that has been short on offensive pivots for almost 20 years, it's embarrassing to watch the guys the Oilers have stockpiled. Sure, Hall and Nugent-Hopkins were easy picks, but the scouting system in Edmonton has been much better than the one in Calgary in recent seasons even without those two picks in the mix. Of course the Flames choices this year look like they're a step in the right direction towards narrowing that gap.
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