Shaune Vetter: That Didn't Last Long Flames get schooled by a team that has mastered "sticking to the system" in Phoenix

Should this not now make Burke realize that we need to address goal scoring via draft and trade and not more truculence/goonery? This should be a good thing in this respect, yes?

What good is truculence, or more so goons, when the other team gets so far ahead the opposition doesn't bother icing their own goons? And of course we only employ a higher class of goon that won't take cheap shots or scrap anyone less than heavy weight. Why oh why did we not give Granlund a game or 2 when he was up to see if his offense translates to the NHL?

You could just see the body language on the players on the ice after that 2nd (poopty/fluke/lucky) bounce and goal- they were done!!! Fragile team! Well we knew it was coming so this shouldn't come as a surprise. It still blows me away that as bad as we are, we are still ahead of the Oilers... sad.

Should this not now make Burke realize that we need to address goal scoring via draft and trade and not more truculence/goonery? This should be a good thing in this respect, yes?

What good is truculence, or more so goons, when the other team gets so far ahead the opposition doesn't bother icing their own goons? And of course we only employ a higher class of goon that won't take cheap shots or scrap anyone less than heavy weight. Why oh why did we not give Granlund a game or 2 when he was up to see if his offense translates to the NHL?
- TandA4Flames

I have no issue with the trade and no issue with McGrats getting ice time. In fact he shows a hell of allot more heart most nights then our "better" players. I think its a means to an end. We know whats coming. We will finish bottom 5 and we will get another high pick. Our vets will be shipped at the deadline and we'll have a whole new group at seasons end. Tough guys keep the Monohan's, Granlund's, Baertschi's(eventually)... from getting manhandled. Hell if last night or the Tampa game are indicators of the rest of the year, I'd rather see a few fights at least for entertainment value...

I have no issue with the trade and no issue with McGrats getting ice time. In fact he shows a hell of allot more heart most nights then our "better" players. I think its a means to an end. We know whats coming. We will finish bottom 5 and we will get another high pick. Our vets will be shipped at the deadline and we'll have a whole new group at seasons end. Tough guys keep the Monohan's, Granlund's, Baertschi's(eventually)... from getting manhandled. Hell if last night or the Tampa game are indicators of the rest of the year, I'd rather see a few fights at least for entertainment value...
- geta02it

Agree, i just with the deadline was tomorrow. . . I want the trades to happen now!

You could just see the body language on the players on the ice after that 2nd (poopty/fluke/lucky) bounce and goal- they were done!!! Fragile team! Well we knew it was coming so this shouldn't come as a surprise. It still blows me away that as bad as we are, we are still ahead of the Oilers... sad.
- geta02it

Ahead, and with games in hand...

Should this not now make Burke realize that we need to address goal scoring via draft and trade and not more truculence/goonery? This should be a good thing in this respect, yes?

What good is truculence, or more so goons, when the other team gets so far ahead the opposition doesn't bother icing their own goons? And of course we only employ a higher class of goon that won't take cheap shots or scrap anyone less than heavy weight. Why oh why did we not give Granlund a game or 2 when he was up to see if his offense translates to the NHL?
- TandA4Flames

Burke says the Truculance stuff, but let's not forget... this is a guy who traded for Kessel... and Colborne technically he had a hand in trading for Colborne twice.

Shaune Vetter: That Didn't Last Long
Flames get schooled by a team that has mastered "sticking to the system" in Phoenix
- vetts

Anyone worried about letting Burke handle things after watching the crap that is the Leafs? They thought they were doing so well, but it turns out the experts and corsi were right. That team still blows and was riding a temporary hot streak that was unsustainable. 4 regulation wins in the last 30. Worst in the league.....

I have no issue with the trade and no issue with McGrats getting ice time. In fact he shows a hell of allot more heart most nights then our "better" players. I think its a means to an end. We know whats coming. We will finish bottom 5 and we will get another high pick. Our vets will be shipped at the deadline and we'll have a whole new group at seasons end. Tough guys keep the Monohan's, Granlund's, Baertschi's(eventually)... from getting manhandled. Hell if last night or the Tampa game are indicators of the rest of the year, I'd rather see a few fights at least for entertainment value...
- geta02it

I have no issue with the trade either. It appears Nevis was going nowhere and to get something for him is good. What I do have issue with is playing 2 dancing bears in the same game. That and that when their aggressiveness is needed, they seem to be no shows.

Maybe this was what Burke convinced ownership of, that Feaster is slowing the rebuild by trying to remain competitive. Dress a tough but low skilled team, sink to bottom for 2 years and draft Ekblad/Reinhart and McDavid/Eichel. Goons are in place for protection to open space for growth, challenge for P.O. in year 4.

I have no issue with the trade either. It appears Nevis was going nowhere and to get something for him is good. What I do have issue with is playing 2 dancing bears in the same game. That and that when their aggressiveness is needed, they seem to be no shows.

Maybe this was what Burke convinced ownership of, that Feaster is slowing the rebuild by trying to remain competitive. Dress a tough but low skilled team, sink to bottom for 2 years and draft Ekblad/Reinhart and McDavid/Eichel. Goons are in place for protection to open space for growth, challenge for P.O. in year 4.
- TandA4Flames

Off topic, but how good did Eichel look? I always assumed that McDavid was a lock for #1, but it's going to be a race!

Burke says the Truculance stuff, but let's not forget... this is a guy who traded for Kessel... and Colborne technically he had a hand in trading for Colborne twice.
- vetts

He knew Kessel was full skill and figured he could work Colborne into a big truculence player. I'm not saying I don't like truculence, in fact I think it is needed in a competitive team. But we dress 2 guys that bring little more than face punching and have a 3rd in the AHL.

Anyone worried about letting Burke handle things after watching the crap that is the Leafs? They thought they were doing so well, but it turns out the experts and corsi were right. That team still blows and was riding a temporary hot streak that was unsustainable. 4 regulation wins in the last 30. Worst in the league.....
- Iggysbff

They were doing well until they fired Burkey!!!

I don't think the leafs are all that far off, but that Clarkson signing was a joke.

Anyway, i'm not too worried, mainly because of some of the pieces we already have in place. So as long as Burkey doesnt trade them all for George Parros I think he will do just fine. Time will tell.

I have no issue with the trade and no issue with McGrats getting ice time. In fact he shows a hell of allot more heart most nights then our "better" players. I think its a means to an end. We know whats coming. We will finish bottom 5 and we will get another high pick. Our vets will be shipped at the deadline and we'll have a whole new group at seasons end. Tough guys keep the Monohan's, Granlund's, Baertschi's(eventually)... from getting manhandled. Hell if last night or the Tampa game are indicators of the rest of the year, I'd rather see a few fights at least for entertainment value...
- geta02it

Grunlund will get his chance to show his NHL readiness it will just have to wait until after the trade deadline and we have shipped a few more UFA's out. Last night was a little tough to watch (I stopped after the 3rd goal) but we all knew this was coming. Jan is going to be a tough month I have a feeling.

I don't like to watch a losing team anymore than the next guy however 2014 vision should = Elkbald for every Flames fan. Followed by 2015 = McDavid.

Off topic, but how good did Eichel look? I always assumed that McDavid was a lock for #1, but it's going to be a race!
- vetts

I think McDavid is still a lock for number 1, but seeing Eichel makes me feel better if we don't win the lottery. Hopefully Burkey stocks up on number 1's for the 2015 draft. Then even if we don't get top pick we can trade up.

P.S. I hope Burke sells the farm for McDavid, (frank) it

He knew Kessel was full skill and figured he could work Colborne into a big truculence player. I'm not saying I don't like truculence, in fact I think it is needed in a competitive team. But we dress 2 guys that bring little more than face punching and have a 3rd in the AHL.
- TandA4Flames

I like the 2 tough guys on the team I feel that it gives the Monahans Birons and (when he returns) Svens a chance to develop there skills while being protected against cheap shots

They were doing well until they fired Burkey!!!

I don't think the leafs are all that far off, but that Clarkson signing was a joke.

Anyway, i'm not too worried, mainly because of some of the pieces we already have in place. So as long as Burkey doesnt trade them all for George Parros I think he will do just fine. Time will tell.
- FlamesFan12

Yah Nonis certainly (frank)ed up a few things since taking over.

He knew Kessel was full skill and figured he could work Colborne into a big truculence player. I'm not saying I don't like truculence, in fact I think it is needed in a competitive team. But we dress 2 guys that bring little more than face punching and have a 3rd in the AHL.
- TandA4Flames

Dude, let it go. Who cares if we get more fights than goals in the next 10-15 games. You really want to put kids like Sven, Granlund, Rhino, Knight on a team wallowing in lack of confidence & mired in goal scoring slumps or do you want them playing more minutes on a playoff bound 1st place team. Why bring Granlund & Sven in to play 4th line or 3rd line minutes if they are lucky. We need to play vets that are potential trade bait soon & players like Russell & Colborne & Bouma who are older & need to step up & establish their careers. Chill, stop complaining because it wont do any good & look forward to March & April we'll get a real steady diet of AHL kids. Bright side, we kept pace with the Oilers.

Thanks Shane.

Misery loves Kompany and this blog make me feel a little better

Anyone worried about letting Burke handle things after watching the crap that is the Leafs? They thought they were doing so well, but it turns out the experts and corsi were right. That team still blows and was riding a temporary hot streak that was unsustainable. 4 regulation wins in the last 30. Worst in the league.....
- Iggysbff

I'd be more worried about how that Oiler juggernaut is being run. At least Burke will make bold moves & not just talk about it or preach patience. When the moves do happen, I'm sure all the critical experts on HockeyBuzz will verbalize their opinions.

Just a note, did you see that NYI/Leaf game last night. Nonis brought in Bernier, who was doing his best Duby imitations, how do you blame Burke for that loss. Nonis signed Clarkson to that goofy contract. You think Nonis is handling the Franson, Gardiner situation very well? Moves he has done have had an impact on the Leafs record this year & you cant paint Burke with that. Every GM makes good & bad decisions, I don't buy your concerns at this stage of Burkes tenure here in Calgary.

I'd be more worried about how that Oiler juggernaut is being run. At least Burke will make bold moves & not just talk about it or preach patience. When the moves do happen, I'm sure all the critical experts on HockeyBuzz will verbalize their opinions.

Just a note, did you see that NYI/Leaf game last night. Nonis brought in Bernier, who was doing his best Duby imitations, how do you blame Burke for that loss. Nonis signed Clarkson to that goofy contract. You think Nonis is handling the Franson, Gardiner situation very well? Moves he has done have had an impact on the Leafs record this year & you cant paint Burke with that. Every GM makes good & bad decisions, I don't buy your concerns at this stage of Burkes tenure here in Calgary.
- Kevin R

Everyone keeps talking about how much worse off the Flames are with Burke as acting GM. I don't see it. He built winners in Vancouver, Anaheim, and Toronto, albeit only one of those teams won the Stanley Cup. Burke has made some terrible trades but outside of Ken Holland, there aren't too many who haven't made a head-scratcher or two. He knows what it takes to build a winning team and I have faith that he'll do it. It probably won't happen through the draft but I do see him trying to stockpile to get McDavid.

Thanks Shane.

Misery loves Kompany and this blog make me feel a little better
- gzatron

Happy to help.


It's Shaune.

I'd be more worried about how that Oiler juggernaut is being run. At least Burke will make bold moves & not just talk about it or preach patience. When the moves do happen, I'm sure all the critical experts on HockeyBuzz will verbalize their opinions.

Just a note, did you see that NYI/Leaf game last night. Nonis brought in Bernier, who was doing his best Duby imitations, how do you blame Burke for that loss. Nonis signed Clarkson to that goofy contract. You think Nonis is handling the Franson, Gardiner situation very well? Moves he has done have had an impact on the Leafs record this year & you cant paint Burke with that. Every GM makes good & bad decisions, I don't buy your concerns at this stage of Burkes tenure here in Calgary.
- Kevin R

This ^^

Except Craig Button. Didn't make a single move I supported...

I like the 2 tough guys on the team I feel that it gives the Monahans Birons and (when he returns) Svens a chance to develop there skills while being protected against cheap shots
- Svensational47

Working really well so far

Dude, let it go. Who cares if we get more fights than goals in the next 10-15 games. You really want to put kids like Sven, Granlund, Rhino, Knight on a team wallowing in lack of confidence & mired in goal scoring slumps or do you want them playing more minutes on a playoff bound 1st place team. Why bring Granlund & Sven in to play 4th line or 3rd line minutes if they are lucky. We need to play vets that are potential trade bait soon & players like Russell & Colborne & Bouma who are older & need to step up & establish their careers. Chill, stop complaining because it wont do any good & look forward to March & April we'll get a real steady diet of AHL kids. Bright side, we kept pace with the Oilers.
- Kevin R

Where is the harm of letting a young kid who gets called up and has a few practices get a couple of games. Is there not a benefit of letting them and the organization see where they are at and then send them back down with a few goals to work on?

I like McGratz but he won't fight anyone less than a heavy weight. I like him playing but he is not needed in every game. We certainly Don't need two guys of that same ilk playing. There needs to be a balance of protection and space being opened and skill to really allow for proper development. And how does having less skilled guys patrolling the ice help with those skilled vets you speak of bring in those great returns we all hope for?

Its not complaining, its an opinion. I'm all for the high pick but not at the cost of poor development and return for the players we currently have. Are you ok with being shut out in 4 of the last 6 games? Is this what you see as proper development?