Wanted: One First Line
For the first time in franchise history Calgary looked to go 5-0 at the start of the season. Coming off a win yesterday against Edmonton, it was the first back to back game of the season and the first look at McElhinney. Let’s just say nothings changed from years past. McElhinney was terrible, the team in front was about the same.
The first shot of the game a couple minutes in he was caught out of position and just like that Flames are down 0-1. The Flame showed signs of life, but with a top line still MIA and no help on the LW (Eric Nystrom tonight, but honestly, that’s not a solution) the team was in trouble.
First minute of the second period again, bang bang, fourth line on a minus now and Dallas up 2-0. Calgary responded with a PP goal by Phaneuf. They would get another in the third by Bourque. Other than that, it was all the scoring they could muster.
Second line and third D-pairing were -3, a turn from their recent good play. McElhinney didn’t do well to solidify his position as the backup. If the Flames want to give Kipper a rest then we may be in for a long long season.
It doesn’t get better for the Flames. Flames go to Chicago on Monday.
Flames lose but who can blame them? Back to back games with them returning late to Calgary. There feet must be stiff. McElhinney did’nt do well but he has get practice. When did he last play? Glad that they could capitalize on powerplay. Overall, I believe that slow and steady wins the race ultimately. Too many wins would become boring for the fans too.
Best of luck for them against the Hawks.
Flames lose but who can blame them particularly if they returned back to Calgary so late. Their feet must be stiff. Also, although McElhinney did’nt perform that well, he needs a lot of practice. How often does he get to play? On a positive note, I am glad that the Flames could capitalize on powerplay; and perhaps slow and steady wins the race ultimately. Too many wins would become boring for the fans too.
Best of luck for them against the Hawks.
Re Loss to Chicago what team on God’s green earth can blow a 5 goal lead?????? The team has still not addressed the lack of shooting. Most games they are outshot by a wide margin…
Hi Cindy,
I think Brent Sutter is just juggling the lines right now to see what works. While trying to adjust to different roles, the players seem to be forgetting their current roles. Bear with them. They will come through, Cindy.