Game 20: AVs host the Flaming C’s
A beautyflame (4-1) win against the Colorado Avalanche gave the Flames a 2-0 edge against their western conference rivals. The triumphant performers demonstrated the effectiveness of the “us” factor – regardless of who scores, the team gets the two points. It is the input from the forwards and defence (together) that matters – not the individual “I” who plays the game. With one accomplishment in place, the victorious Flames will now strive for a back to back victory in Colorado. They will hopeful strive for their third win in the next best of the west series on Thursday, November 20th.
Should the Flames maintain their “go get the net attitude” with the 51 shots on goal, they can pursue their winning streak again. Nonetheless, there are certain challenges the visiting team will have to anticipate. For starters, they are 3-6-0 on the road while the Avs are 4-4-0 on home ice – so, resilience will play a pivotal role in their success. Secondly, in terms of penalty killing, the difference between the two teams is marginal, and capitalizing on the power play may be difficult for the visiting team. Thirdly, Budaj may present a certain challenge, and the flying, fearless forwards will have to crash past his brick wall. Finally, with Sakic anticipated to be back in the line up, can the Captain be a deterring factor for the determined Flames?
It will be this last challenge that will instigate sports fans to stay glued to The Sports Network (SNET-W) at 7:00 pm tomorrow. Fans on the run can join in the fun on the Fan 960 - a play by play summary will be hosted by the Voice of the Flames, Peter Mahar and his colour commenter, Mike Rogers.
Tips of the day:
The BBC line (Bourque, Boyd and Cammalleri) had been effective at home
The defence can make one mistake only; but too many mistakes can be way costly
Silence can be golden but gold can become rusty if silenced for too long
The firing 5-3 squads will have to rifle their shots to get past Budaj.
Auch! On a closing note, Vandermeer and Lombardi are still out of the line up indefinitely.