If you want evidence of NHL officials taking pre-game bribes then this game was Exhibit A. Well, maybe not, but the referees were horrid. Multiple breakaways and ensuing trips that lead to no calls was the MO of tonight’s officials. Did they take away opportunities? Absolutely. Did they cause the loss? Not a chance. Calgary embarked on a seven game Eastern road trip that began tonight against the NY Rangers. The Rangers are good, talented in every way, and exceed the Flames in every aspect. The one-ice product is evident. There was no moment in this game where Calgary was remotely competing. They were thoroughly handed a loss and barely registered any offensive opportunity.
The two highlights of the game were the play of Kari Ramo and the NHL debit of Emile Poirier. Hartley decided to play the kid line of Granlund-Poirier-Ferland. Stajan and Raymond returned to Calgary awaiting their newborns (I always find it fascinating that professional athletes who make 50000+ per game are allowed to miss games….)
Apart from that, there was no news to report. Nobody is scoring. Treviling is doing nothing to improve this team, and his only moves are just horrid. Engelland is absolute garbage and was benched for 2/3 of the game. Bollig is deadweight. Calgary NEEDS defensive help and some offensive skills. It doens’t help that the likes of Curtis Glencross decided to pack it in in November. But still. Make at least one move to improve the club and at least give them a fighting chance to make this year’s playoffs.
