Gulutzan facing tough decisions with Flames
Just for the fun of it, let’s fast-forward to Oct. 12.
The leaves have changed colours, kids are back in school, and presumably, Canada has captured the World Cup of Hockey … right?
More importantly, the 2016-17 National Hockey League season is about to begin for the Calgary Flames as they usher in a new era at Rogers Place against the Edmonton Oilers.
So, put down your Corona, Mad Jack Hard Root Beer, or Twisted Tea, and put yourself in Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan’s skates.
Who is on your first line? Your third? How about the second defensive pairing? Starting goalie?
Of course, no one knows what story lines and players will emerge from training camp. Heck, Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan still need to ink new contracts. But that likely hasn’t stopped Gulutzan or anxious Flames fans from daydreaming about the season-opening roster.
“For me, it’s a team that’s on the cusp,” said Gulutzan when he was hired back on June 17. “It’s a team that’s exciting. You have good veterans. I’ve heard nothing but good about the locker-room.
“Young guys are great, but they need to be surrounded by good veterans in this league. It’s still a man’s league. I think we’ve got a good mix of that. We hope to take advantage of that.”
JOHNNY GAUDREAUSEAN MONAHANTROY BROUWER
When he was with the St. Louis Blues, Brouwer played mostly on the second line with youngster Robby Fabbri and Paul Stastny. Effective, smart, and steady, Brouwer could be just what the Flames are looking for when it comes to the perfect fit for the offensively gifted Monahan and Gaudreau. While the departed Jiri Hudler played that role, the most consistent right winger in that spot were the players with simple games (eg: David Jones, Micheal Ferland) with North/South styles.
MATTHEW TKACHUKSAM BENNETTHUNTER SHINKARUK
This is the ultimate kid line. With a combined 86-National Hockey League games between the three of them, it could be a long-shot to imagine these three together. But it could also be a pile of fun. If Matthew Tkachuk, Calgary’s sixth-overall pick from this summer’s draft, comes into training camp like Sean Monahan did in 2013, the teenager could naturally be slotted with Sam Bennett and Hunter Shinkaruk. Bennett plays gritty and so does Tkachuk which could be excellent entertainment during, say, a Milan Lucic-infused Battle of Alberta.
MICHEAL FERLANDMIKAEL BACKLUNDMICHAEL FROLIK
You could call this one the Saint Line. Why? Besides the fact that all three are named after Saints ( but spelled differently, of course), they could also be predictable when put together.
Technically, this isn’t a third line (probably more of a 2B line). Michael Frolik, for one, played second-line minutes for most of 2015-16 and developed excellent chemistry with Mikeal Backlund, particularly on the penalty kill. Adding Micheal Ferland’s simple no-nonsense game compliments two speedy finesse players.
LANCE BOUMAMATT STAJANALEX CHAISSON
This trio could be a solid shutdown line. Every line needs to be solid on the forecheck. And while Matt Stajan, 32, might not be the youngest on the block, he is a savvy veteran. After an injury-riddled 2015-16 campaign, Lance Bouma will be playing with a chip on his shoulder and you know what that means: returning to his heavyhitting ways of 2014-15. When the Flames signed Alex Chaisson earlier this summer, head coach Glen Gulutzan (who coached the 25-year- old in Dallas) gave his approval, saying he’s a “big body to get to the net.” Chaisson’s netfront presence could add to this blue-collar line.
MARK GIORDANOTJ BRODIE
No issues keeping these two together. Since they’ve been a pairing, Mark Giordano has credited TJ Brodie’s smarts and ability. The two compliment each other, see the ice well, and are in charge of shutting down other teams’ top lines. While the captain receives most of the headlines, Brodie’s work is done quietly and consistently (in 70 games played, he fin- ished a plus-four).
JYRKI JOKIPAKKADOUGIE HAMILTON
It turns out, Dougie Hamilton wasn’t a complete bust that the media pegged him to be early last season. But with a full season with the Flames under his belt, Hamilton should be poised for a bounce-back year. His minus-14 was the worst among Flames’ blueliners. Meanwhile, the left-shooting Jokipakka will start fresh after being dealt to Calgary from Dallas at the NHL trade deadline.
DENNIS WIDEMANDERYK ENGELLAND
This ( relatively) grey- beard pairing isn’t ideal, but it’s a clean slate for both defenders. While Engelland is playing for his former ECHL coach Glen Gulutzan, the man he credits with helping him getting his foot in the NHL door, Wideman is looking for redemption after last year’s miserable campaign. After dealing with injuries and the Don Henderson-suspension-potential lawsuit debacle in 2015-16, it’s also a contract year for the 33-year-old.
BRIAN ELLIOTT
This is why the Calgary Flames went out and acquired the former St. Louis Blues native on draft-day: to be their No. 1 goalie.
CHAD JOHNSON
Well-accustomed to the back-up role, the Calgarian has also proved he can fill-in if necessary. Of his 42 decisions last year with the Buffalo Sabres, 22 were victories while he posted a respectable 2.36 goals against average and .920 save percentage.