You know why the Flames lost? Two reasons. 1) The PP sucks. 2) The top players suck.
Everyone thought life was great after Calgary’s great win over Edmonton. Truth be told, we’re now six games into the new season and the top line (top players) have only produced in ONE of those six games. ONE. Jarome Iginla is ABSENT from this team. I hate to say it, the droves of fans are currently right, Oli Jokinen is playing TERRIBLY.
These so called star players are also pulling down the PP. Their regular strength play has hurt special teams.
Watch Detroit. Their PPs score, and they score quick. Why? TONS of movement. Calgary on the other hand sort of hangs around and moves in slow mo. When they do pass it’s telegraphed. When they do shoot it’s blocked. The lazy movements of the Flames start at the top and work their way down.
If it wasn’t for scoring from the third line the FLames would be 1-5. Tonight Backlund scored twice on the third line. Top line could hardly get anything going and were taken to task by Detroit’s top line.
Hate to say it, but the Flames are simply being outworked and their talent is significantly below the top tier teams. Sad because you’d think we have at least a competitive team, but right now the skill simply isn’t coming through for this hockey club.
I thought Calgary’s effort was pretty good, but I do agree with you about the top line. They have looked terrible all year and need to be putting up points. Get it together boys! Go Flames Go!!!
I believe the team’s effort was conspicuous during the first two periods only when the Flames played a hard hitting hockey. Alas the third period had been distressing. Obviously, their penalty killing efforts have diminished and they cannot score on the powerplay either – this is a major setback!. Of note, the overall problem can be relegated to goaltending as well. Look who earned the first star in the last game???? I believe no one can see the trend….
Yes, a lot of effort is needed to earn the two points; and the Flames need to put their wits together…. Go Flames Go!!!