Coaching decisions are the headline after the most recent Flames loss. After being manhandled 5v5 (ref looked the other way on infractions but the Flames didn’t push back) Calgary clawed back in the third to make it close but were really never in the game. Bad penalties and blown plays contributed to the complete loss of momentum in the first period.
The coaching decisions prior were suspect, sitting Baertschi for the second game in a row and playing ‘gritty’ players like Jackman, Ranheim, Bouma, and McGrattan. Why? Those players sat the entire third period .What a waste of not one, but FOUR roster spots.
Something must be happening in practice that is ticking the coach off to play 5th line pluggers and Chad Billins. Maybe certain players aren’t getting the message, but you need to put some talent on the ice especially with so many key injures.
Starting his third game in a row, Reto Berra wasn’t tested in the game and had no chance on the three goals against which were a result of bad defensive plays.
With the hot Colorado team tomorrow night, look for Ramo in goal, but for Calgary to continue playing their second string lineup with a bunch of goons who won’t even fight. Terrible night top to bottom and the first game this year where you wondered if the coaching staff knows what’s going on.
There is something definitely amiss. The Flames are determined to fight back from the repeated deficits; but that is not what counts! The two points do….Lacking strong defense is discernable….giving early leads without challenging opponents in the first two periods..giving up powerplay and shorthanded goals. It seems as though there is no chemistry between players – no determination to win and that is sad. The league is getting tougher by the day and there should be no excuses at this point in time. The Flames should seriously make an effort to win and earn a decent standing in the league….