Calgary Flames Daily: Matt Bartkowski shouldn’t make the cut

CALGARY, AB - APRIL 17: Matt Bartkowski
CALGARY, AB - APRIL 17: Matt Bartkowski /
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After another preseason loss last night, some things should probably change. Let’s look at some Calgary Flames news over the last day.

Last night, the Calgary Flames had yet another preseason loss to the Vancouver Canucks. They’ll play just one more game on Saturday night to hopefully get just their second exhibition win. Something that’s worrying Flames fans is Matt Bartkowski. After having a clearer picture of who’s making the final roster, it seems like Bartkowski will be making that sixth defenceman. But that’s not a good idea.

Via Hockey Buzz:

"Bartkowski actually had a pretty solid night breaking out of the defensive zone but a lot of the time he’d carry the puck out with possession, only to ignore teammates waiting for the puck and dump it in, which often led to easy exits for Vancouver. I still think Kulak would be a better option on the 3rd pairing."

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames /

Calgary Flames

I’ve been saying this the last two days, but in the last game against the Canucks, Bartkowski had four giveaways alone and was on the ice for three of the goals. In three exhibition games, he had eight giveaways. Surprisingly, he didn’t have any last night. But the Calgary Flames bottom two lines and defence, in general, didn’t look too solid last night.

I’m not putting the blame on Bartkowski for the loss last night, obviously, but he still shouldn’t make the cut.

The team attributed their lost last night to lack of effort and lack of competitiveness. Head coach Glen Gulutzan is slightly concerned.

Via Calgary Herald:

"Yeah, I’m a little concerned, certainly, after this game. My biggest concern is the compete-level. We just think it’s going to happen. Our compete-level is not where it needs to be, and we’re going to find out over the next few days what it’s like not to compete."

Flames Tweet of the Day

Hockey Tweet of the Day

Some links surrounding the Flames

Flames continue pre-season struggles with loss to Canucks (Calgary Herald).

Five takeaways from yet another Calgary Flames preseason loss (Hockey Buzz).

Glass wants to bring physical element to Flames (Calgary Sun).

Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL

Hockey was at its best in the free-flowing, high-scoring game of the ’80s and early ’90s (Sportsnet).

Hitchcock top preseason choice for Jack Adams (NHL.com).

Did an old Vancouver Canucks logo inspire a high-fashion Versace lookalike? (National Post).

Next: 6 days until the season starts: #6 Dennis Wideman

That’s all we have for you all today for Flames Daily!