Sixty Minute Effort

The title summarizes the problem in a nutshell. The Flames need to show up on time and go to work. They have been outworked and outmuscled so far this season. This is on both forwards and defencemen. Too often, they are taking lazy penalties, using the stick instead of taking that extra stride.  I am not sure if it is a coaching issue or if players are not executing. If this is on the players, I find that it is worrisome, simply because this should not be an issue. If the players do not want to put in an effort, the results will not change. 

Matthew Tkachuk has been showing some frustration lately. He does not like losing. He takes every defeat to heart. They are not fighting back; the Flames look like they are accepting the loss. I heard a great description by a friend in describing another team: " there is no energy in this team." This is the Flames to a T.  We need to see some fight from this team.

Tkachuk has a nasty habit of feeling he has to be the one who fights back. I know; he is Tkachuk and it in his blood. But in truth, this should not be part of his job description. Coaches or players have to step up. Sooner or later, he will find himself in suspension territory. The last thing this team needs is to lose Matthew for a couple of games. This kid is the future captain of the team and everyone knows it. He has to use his head. 

I have to mention a couple of defencemen who have made an impression on me. Noah Hanifin and his tag team partner (WWE plug with Royal Rumble coming soon) Christopher Tanev have been nearly perfect this season. We all know how much Hanifin struggled last year. This season, he is a different player, keeping his back end nice and tidy. Noah has worked hard on defensive zone coverage. So far, Tanev has shown his worth. Whether he is wholly or partially responsible for Hanifin's play, Hanifin has profited from playing with him. 

I know it is still early in the season, but it is vital for the Flames not to fall too far behind in the standings. The season is only 56 games long and there have been too many 3 point games already. 

It is getting close to that time

It sounds like the Flames will send Sparks down with Artyom Zagidulin because of the Parsons injury. I, for one, really questioned the Sparks signing. Seriously Flames, what were you thinking? Then the media came out with the Parsons status and I began to think maybe the management did not lose their minds. I must admit, evil thoughts were going through my head. 

The second player's contract reminded me of a movie that goes on and on and never seems to end. Calgary Flames defenceman Michael Stone— yeah, I have seen this movie before. The Flames have shown loyalty to their players, giving them every chance to make the teams. Bringing in Stone is another example of how the Flames look after their own. Stone does provide them with depth on the blue line. I could live with him on the Taxi Squad. 

Talking about the blue line; it will be interesting to see how the war for the number five and six spots works out. Let's go through the list of players that could battle for that spot. Well, at least who I think will fight for the spots. 

Connor Mackey 

I like this kid. I think Connor has all the tools. From what I have read on Connor, he has a high hockey IQ. He can adjust to pressure, is a great shot, and, most importantly, can be relied on in the defensive end.  

Alexander Petrovic 

Alexander has the experience of an NHLer. He is what he is; nothing flashy, but he gets the job done. Alexander is the typical sixth dman who can play solid at times in his own end. He is not the fastest skater, but knows his limitations. 

Nikita Nesterov 

He might have the edge because of his offensive skills. Nesterov is a puck-moving defenceman who knows when to pitch in. He has good puck-handling skills and distributes the puck well. He can be also used on the powerplay.

Alexander Yelesin

Alexander is a mean, nasty, stay-home defenceman. He brings much-needed physical play to the Flames blueline. Yelesin will not help much on the offensive side, but that is not his game. 

Oliver Kylington

We all know Oliver is a capable NHL defenceman. Oliver knows what is expected of him and just does it. Oliver has excellent speed and some offensive skills. He has solid defensive skills. 

There will be a lot of eyes watching this battle of the defense. Who do I think will win it? I do believe that it will be Kylington's job to lose. If Kylington slips, Nikita will be happy to take that job from him. I expect those to get the last pairing. Yelesin and Petrovic are not far behind. 

Randy