So much to talk about with this game so let’s jump in.
Prior to the contest bloggers around town were using their inept stats skills to predict the eventual demise of the Flames season. Yes, I would agree they can’t keep the same level they’ve been playing at, but they aren’t as bad as desperate stats hacks would have us believe. Proof? The win column.
The evening began with a celebration for legendary play-by-play announcer Peter Maher. He left off with a ‘Yahh baby!’ for the crowd and a request that the team continue to put points on the board. They didn’t disappoint, but it didn’t start off as planned.
– In net, Jonas Hiller, former Duck. He was eager to prove his worth. Calgary came out slow in period one and didn’t get things moving until the third.
– Part of the naysayers on the Flames is that they haven’t played many big and solid Western teams. Anaheim is among the first of the ‘elite’.
– Brian Burke recently was on a radio show in Toronto commenting on the team size and sitll thinks the Flames are too small. That’s probably true. First period alone showed Gaudreau getting knocked around, a lot of behind the play punches, and not much of Brian McGrattan setting players straight (if he’s not going to fight then why play him?)
– Gaudreau found his legs and dominated the third period. He scored a nifty shoot-out goal. The Flames lead the league in third period goals. They were down 2-0 going into the third and went ahead 3-2 with three of their own.
– Giordano point streak ends at 8 games. Wideman though picked up the scoring from the Dmen and had two goals.
– Two point night for Granlund. If he stays consistent the Flames will be happy. Monahan for his part is doing well against tougher competition and looked great in the third.
– Setoguchi still doesn’t have a goal. He was in for David Jones.
– Special teams need some help after this game. Look for the powerplay to generate some more chances.
– Not too many hits in this game, Calgary needs to find that edge in their game to keep up with the bulk in the West.
Notes: Next up is Chicago in town on Thursday.
Thanks Peter! And thanks Flames for an entertaining game. Man this team just finds a way.
It had been a great ending for an initial slow start; but the end result was good enough for the fans. The game lacked the offensive threat in terms of shots on goal and giving up two power play goals was not impressive either. Gudreau had been great in the third and shootout; Monahan sparkled as usual. However what is nice to observe is that the team is getting goals from diverse players. At one point, Mason Raymond got the hatrick; against the Anaheim Ducks, it had been Dennis Wideman who contributed with two goals. No matter what happens in the future, it is awesome to witness the potential of our Calgary Flames.