Since we are not going to have too many games, I thought we should sit back and look like what we have. So today it is report card time. Do the Flames make the grade?
I will be grading goalies and defense in this blog.
Goaltending
Jonas Hiller
When Jonas has been on his game, there are very few better. I remember The Game: the performance of the year was against the Hawks. Hiller covered the angles. His rebounding control was extraordinary. Yet his worst performance was against the Panthers. Let’s face facts; he was terrible. Letting in a few bad goals seemed to rattle him. Hiller has to get more consistent. Grade: B
Karri Ramo
Karri has been a solid team player. He has had his times, including a two-game shutout streak. He has been one of the best back-ups in the NHL. If he can continue to give the Flames a chance every time he plays, the Flames will be in the playoff hunt through the season. Of course the Flames have three goalies at this moment. Rumor has it that he will be here for the whole season. Only time will tell. Grade: B
Defence
Mark Giordano
Mark has been one of the most outstanding D-men in the League. He kills penalties, he is a great skater, and most of all, he knows his position. He knows his role and what is expected of him. He is a true leader. He is the definition of a leader; he does everything that he expects of his teammates. He is outstanding on and off the ice. Grade: A
TJ Brodie
TJ has been a pleasant surprise. I love his skating ability. He is the perfect partner for Gio. His passing skills would match any defenseman in the League. The only blemish on his record is that at times he pitches in at the wrong time, showing overconfidence. Grade: B+
Deryk Engelland
Deryk has really been struggling this season with his speed. He has to pick it up. He has been caught out of position too many times. But he has has a lot more disciplined than I thought he would be. I just want him to be smarter out there on the blue line. Grade: C
Kris Russell
Kris has been one the best shot-blockers in the League. He does what is expected of him and knows his role. He is a perfect parter for Wideman. He is there most of the time to cover up for Wideman. Grade: B
Dennis Wideman
Dennis is on a career year. He has twelve goals this season. He has been very good, adding to his offensive production. He has been very effective in the offensive zone. I have been very impressed with his defensive zone coverage. He has been better than I thought he would be. His speed still gets him in trouble at times. Grade: B
Ladislav Smid
Smid is a stay-home defencemen. He is very adequate, nothing flashy. You get what is expected of a number five dman. He is a what he is.
Grade: C+
Raphael Diaz
When the Flames signed Diaz, he was an after-thought. He had a solid preseason, I was not expecting more than a few moments of offense from him. Which is exactly what he has given us. His defensive zone coverage is not great, but he fills a need. Grade: C
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