Monahan is sick and will not practice this morning, so the Flames will see how he is feeling later before making a decision whether or not to get him in the lineup tonight in the Flames' season opener vs. Vancouver. Monahan was set to centre the Flames top line with Curtis Glencross and Jiri Hudler on his wings.
Coyle appeared to be having a tough time receiving passes and stick handling in the Wild's OT loss last night that ended their season, but that would make sense given the status of his shoulders. Coyle had three goals and four assists (7 points) in 13 playoff games. It was a solid postseason for the 22-year-old who had 30 points (12G / 18A) in 70 games this season. The 2010 first round pick, should see consistent top-6 minutes in 2014-15.
Monahan missed the last seven games with a fractured foot, but gets back in the lineup for TJ Galiardi today vs. the Sabres. The rookie has nine goals and six assists in 24 games.
This is great news for the Flames, because the rookie has been one of their best offensive players this season. He has nine goals and 15 points in 24 games. His 15 points has him tied for second on the team in scoring and fifth amongst NHL rookies. He is likely still at least a week from returning to the Flames lineup.
Speculation is that Mikael Backlund will get more opportunities in wake of the Monahan injury. Given his history, look to your waiver wire first before jumping on Backlund.
Coyle missed 11 games with a knee injury but returned on Friday, before re-aggravating it and missing Sunday's contest. He appears as if he will be back in the lineup tonight after participating in the morning skate on a line with Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise. Coyle had 14 points (8G / 6A) in 37 games last season, but if he can stick on the top-line - he should drastically improve on those numbers.
Coyle returned on Friday after missing 12 games with a broken jaw, but is already day-to-day again. The Wild didn't specify what is ailing Coyle, but reports are that he is just 'banged up'. Carson McMillan who was called up this morning will enter the lineup.
Coyle had missed 11 games because of a sprained knee. Thursday, he centered a line with Zach Parise and had Justin Fontaine and Dany Heatley taking turns on the right side. Coyle also worked with the first power-play unit, joining Parise and Mikko Koivu with Ryan Suter and Jason Pominville at the points.
Even more promising, Coyle was working on his shot in the shooting cage in the tunnel at Xcel Energy Center. Yet the most promising news is that Yeo plans to have Coyle participate in the team’s morning skate tomorrow.
Last night was Monahan's ninth game, so the Flames had to decide whether to keep him and burn the first year of his entry level contract, or send him back to juniors. It is no surprise that he stays with the team after the rookie's hot-start. Monahan has six goals and three assists (nine points) in nine games. He is averaging 15:47 TOI, but has seen his ice-time rise to 21 and 19 minutes in the last two outings.
This is a huge blow for Coyle and the 0-0-2 Wild. Coyle won the second-line center position early in an outstanding training camp, one in which he scored three goals in five exhibition games. "It's not an ideal situation, but I'm fortunate it's nothing worse than it is," Coyle said. "I'm going to keep a positive mindset and I'm looking forward to recovering and doing everything I can to be healthy again."
He was injured on a hit from Andrew Cogliano last night and did not return. Coyle is not expected to miss an extended period of time.
Monahan recorded one assist and two shots on goal in 11:40 of ice time in his NHL debut.
We will get an update on Monahan's status for tonight's game.
“For such a young centreman, I think he’s adapting real well to NHL hockey,” head coach Bob Hartley said at the morning skate. “He still has things to learn which is perfectly normal for any kids that age. He doesn’t get rattled. He’s very poised . . . we have big plans for this young man." It sounds like Monahan has a good shot at making the Flames opening night roster.
Ouch. Coyle is not expected to miss any games.
Wild wanted a right-shot winger to replace Clutterbuck, it reassigned rookie Johan Larsson and recalled rookie Charlie Coyle, who impressed during a recent five-game callup.
Coyle had 0 points and was a -1 in 5 games with the WIld.
Coyle played 12:44 in his first game yesterday but didn't register a point. After just one game he is already getting moved up to the first line in place of Dany Heatley who will be bumped to the second line. This is a great opportunity for the young winger who will play with two great players in Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise.
Coyle left Boston University this year to speed up his transition to the professional ranks. The rising pivot should have an opportunity to make the Wild out of training camp following a playoff run in the QMJHL.
