3 Things from Week 17

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Dennis Wideman, Not The Best Week

Dennis Wideman has had a bad season and this week was about as bad as it gets. The veteran defenceman had only 1 point this week and played some suspect defence and that’s being kind. Wideman (I was there) was on the ice for at least 2 of the Devils goals Friday night and a penalty he took lead to NJ’s game tying 3rd goal. Fast forward to Sunday and Wideman semi screened Brian Elliott on a soft goal that Elliott probably should have had, but he still was involved. For some reason Glen Gulutzan won’t send Wideman to the press box for a game or two. T.J. Brodie’s game is suffering, largely do to his defence partner, Dennis Wideman. The Flames need to sit Wideman and let Brett Kulak take his spot on the ice. The trade deadline is looming and there’s a good chance that you’ll have to look at Wideman’s #6 on the ice for the remainder of the season with the Flames.

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Is There A Hotter Goal Scorer In The NHL Than Sean Monahan?

Sean Monahan must have been tired of hearing the talk because he has TURNED IT ON in the last 11 games. He didn’t score in the game against the Rangers, but Monahan put 2 in against the Wild and opened the scoring in Friday night’s game at NJ. Those 3 goals this week upped Monahan’s point total to 34 and the 3 goals gave him the team lead with 19. That’s 8 goals in 11 games for Monahan and he’s getting hot just as the Flames start to climb back into the playoffs.

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Is It Brian Elliott’s Job To Lose?

Glen Gulutzan has decided that whoever keeps winning will stay in net for the Flames for the remainder of the season. Before the All Star Break Brian Elliott was in net for the Flames win in Ottawa and since has played every game. He beat the Wild and Devils, but dropped Sunday’s game to the Rangers. This is where we see if Gulutzan gives Elliott a chance to rebound after a tough loss where he let in a few soft goals or does he panic and throw Johnson back in net? The Flames open the week with the Penguins which is no easy task, but I still think Elliott needs to be in net when the Flames hit the ice. So to answer my own question, yes, it’s Brian Elliott’s job to lose....still.....for now.