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Calgary Flames: Time To Make A Decision

By Brandon Murphy

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With less than a week until the start of the regular season, the Calgary Flames are faced with a few big decisions before finalising their roster. Coach Bob Hartley will likely keep with his trend of switching lines on the fly to attempt to create some chemistry and balance of young speedsters and battle tested veterans.

…they could be one of the most dominant lines in the league.

The top line of Gaudreau, Monahan, and Hudler is unbreakable after a more than successful campaign last year. Last year, the trio attributed for more than 180 points with Gaudreau and Hudler creating some amazing chemistry and go with the incredible growth of young centre Sean Monahan. If this line can build on their previous success, they could one of the most dominant lines in the league.

Based on the observations of the preseason contests, a second line of Bennett, Backlund, and newcomer Michael Frolik is rounding a lethal second line. Bennett added some weight over the summer to be stronger in the corners when digging for the puck. Adding Frolik to this line creates a combination that can be not only devastating in the offensive, but also has the potential to give other forwards fits in their own zone.

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With the top two lines set, the bottom six of this rebuilding team becomes a bit messier.  One possible line combination of Lance Bouma, Josh Jooris, and Joe Colborne to provide some grit and blue collar hockey. This line will not be a prolific scoring unit, but more a group that can go in and shut down other offenses and provide some depth scoring and some energy for the team. If this line can provide 30-40 goals this year, it would be a very effective third line.

The fourth line to round out this group of young forwards could see a couple different looks. Matt Stajan is a shoe in to be the centre in this group, but depending on his performance there could be an appearance of speedy Paul Byron. The left wing could see some rotation of spark plug Micheal Ferland and speedy veteran Mason Raymond. Depending on who they face, Ferland could be the better option based on his grit and hearty play. The right wing is owned by big bruiser Brandon Bollig. He will continue his physical dominance to complete a fourth line that could have some solid checking and defensive play as well as some great speed to push the play on an odd man rush.

All of these combinations are still up in the air as Hartley loves to scramble the lines if things aren’t running smoothly. That being said, these are the most realistic line combinations. One alteration could be Sam Bennett eventually moving to centre.

Next: Signing Giordano

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