Calgary 4 – Capitals 5 (SO)

That’s what the pundits are saying, this Flames roster is ‘up there’ as one of the worst. Hockey ‘analysts’ (honestly, I give the same credence to awesome bloggers as I do to TSN ‘analysts’ *cough*Aaron Ward*cough*), pit the Flames to finish no lower than 30 (you can’t go any lower).

Is this team really THAT bad? Is this really a revamped but worse version of the ‘Young Guns’ from the mid 90s? ‘Hard work’ was the name of the game back then and it still holds true today. Competing every game will be the calling card for this squad. Chances for the young prospects to shine, and no-name goalies to showcase their wares will be innumerable.

For the first period in the season opener on the road in Washington the Flames silenced all the pundits. 3-0 going into the second intermission. But alas, classic Flames, the lead was squandered in a hurry.


As fast as the goals went in for the Flames the Capitals responded in a hurry lead by Ovechkin. You got a picture of the Flames revamped D, a lot of fire drills when the pressure increased. In fact, the whole game was a bit of roller-coaster ride of ups and downs.

4 goals is nothing to slouch at, but 4 goals against, a terrible PK and yet again trouble in a shoot-out will make for a long season. Credit Kari Ramo, trying to prove himself this year as a legit starting goalie. 3 of the 5 goals were deflected off of Flames players. Here’s hoping he rebounds (although Joey MacDonald may play tomorrow night in Columbus).

The Flames game needs work, we all knew that, but we didn’t think they’d compete and nearly pull out a victory despite a lineup with no particularly elite players. But then again, that’s pretty much what fans have seen for decades. Little consistency in all facets of the game and close losses. In some ways it would be better to see the squad get blown out rather than hanging on in close games.

Hang on for the ride Flames fans, this is the pace we should expect for the rest of the season.

Notes: McGrattan and Street factored in the fourth line. Street played good minutes but he’s a career minor leaguer, unfortunately. McGrattan is a wasted roster spot (insert one dimensional player debate here).