What If Calgary Flames Sean Monahan Can’t Play Tonight?

Calgary Flames right wing David Jones (19) would draw into the opening night line up if Sean Monahan is unavailable. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

This morning Calgary Flames Head Coach Bob Hartley informed the media and fans that Sean Monahan was at home and sick.  Originally pencilled in as the starting 1st line center between Jiri Hudler and Curtis Glencross, Monahan is now a 50/50 game time decision.

So if Monahan can’t go, Devin Setoguchi still can’t draw into the lineup.  My my how the lustre has worn off on poor Mr. Setoguchi.  I understand that the Calgary Flames are paying David Jones literally 4 times as much BUT for Setoguchi to be that firmly planted as the 14th forward is disheartening.

I’m not sure what to expect of the Mason Raymond-Mikael Backlund-Lance Bouma line.  When I heard Monahan was 50/50, I assumed Bouma would be moved to the 4th line to center Brandon Bollig and Brian McGrattan.  That would bump Matt Stajan into the 1st line center role for one night, which in small doses, is a spot on the lineup card Mr. Stajan can fill admirably.

A reason for the assumption would be the fact that Johnny Gaudreau spent a majority of his preseason ice time with Joe Colborne.  Why mess with the budding chemistry between Johnny Hockey and Mr. Colborne?

If Monahan misses tonight, hopefully he will be ready to go for Thursday up in Edmonton.  The Calgary Flames lineup is deep enough to cover Monahan’s loss for a game or two.  I believe that last statement much more than Vancouver Canuck Henrik Sedin believes it.

Don’t forget to play in Flame For Thought’s “First Goal of the Game Contest“.  Deadline for entries is 8PM.