While the Flames' James Neal owned his shortcomings and promised to come back better, Johnny Gaudreau needs to find another gear too next spring. And it sure would have been nice to hear him say that, writes EricFrancis
Flames general manager Brad Treliving, who inked Neal to add scoring depth, size and playoff experience, said he had heart-to-hearts with Neal several times this year, including a long talk Monday."Listen, when we signed James last year, I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to sit up here and say this is not exactly how we projected things to go. James didn’t sign here to be a scratch in Game 5 of the first round.
It would be hard for Gaudreau to have a better season next year — or a worse playoff. He likely garnered plenty of Hart Trophy consideration before the playoffs, and rightly so. But after failing to make an impact against Colorado he seemed content to shake it off. Whether Neal will be able to revitalize his game after seeming incapable of keeping up, he said all the right things upon leaving town Monday. And that included admitting he and Peters butted heads at times."We talked and I have to come in next year and be better. And I know that. There’s not one thing you can blame it on. Obviously, for me, I would have liked to play more and be counted on more, so hopefully moving forward that’s how it could be.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Flames Ice Chips: Neal out, Czarnik in as Flames try and stay aliveThe Flames are facing elimination against the Avalanche and are desperate to extend their season, but they will have to do it without James Neal, who will be a healthy scratch tonight, in favour of Austin Czarnik. Jermain Franklin breaks down the move and addresses other line changes for Calgary.
Read more »
Flames 3-in-3: Is the decision to sit Neal the correct one?In order to extend the series againts the Avs, was it the right or wrong call to sit James Neal? Should the flames expect more from their depth players? Does the flames top line have more to give? Jermain Franklin and Aaron Vickers weigh in on Flames 3-in-3.
Read more »
With Neal scratched, Flames looking for spark versus AvsDown 3-1 to the Avalanche, the Flames have decided to scratch playoff veteran James Neal to make room for Austin Czarnik in Friday's Game 5. Will this roster move, along with the shuffling of lines help propel the Flames to victory? Dave Poulin weighs in.
Read more »
Flames' Neal: 'I want to be a top-six guy' - TSN.caCalgary Flames winger James Neal posted just seven goals and 19 points in 63 regular season games and was a healthy scratch for the team's series-clinching Game 5 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. But with four years left on his deal with the team, the 31-year-old still wants to be in a top-six role.
Read more »
Flames' Neal takes a seat for Game 5 as disastrous year continues - Sportsnet.caThe fact that James Neal is being replaced in the Calgary Flames' lineup for Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche by a 26-year-old who will make his NHL playoff debut says plenty about how ineffective Neal has been these playoffs and this season.
Read more »
Neal skates as extra at Flames practice - TSN.caIt appears James Neal will not be in the lineup when the Calgary Flames host the Colorado Avalanche for Game 5 of their first-round series. Neal spent Friday's gameday skate working as an extra with the Flames facing a must-win game down 3-1 in the series.
Read more »
Flames' James Neal a healthy scratch for Game 5 vs. Avalanche - Sportsnet.caJames Neal has been underperforming he will be a healthy scratch for Saturday’s Game 5 showdown between the Flames and Avalanche.
Read more »
Flames needing impactful playoff performance from Johnny Gaudreau - Sportsnet.caGaudreau’s playoff performance has been a concern in Calgary for several years, and with the Flames now down 2-1 against the Avs, they need his production.
Read more »
Flames Thoughts: Flames have yet to reach full potential in playoffs - Sportsnet.caThe bottom line is the Calgary Flames haven’t played anywhere close to their potential in the first three games. But a strong performance in Game 4 can erase all that.
Read more »
Flames' James Neal a healthy scratch for Game 5 vs. Avalanche - Sportsnet.caJames Neal has been underperforming he will be a healthy scratch for Saturday’s Game 5 showdown between the Flames and Avalanche.
Read more »
Flames' Neal takes a seat for Game 5 as disastrous year continues - Sportsnet.caThe fact that James Neal is being replaced in the Calgary Flames' lineup for Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche by a 26-year-old who will make his NHL playoff debut says plenty about how ineffective Neal has been these playoffs and this season.
Read more »