For the first time this season of the Flames have put together back to back wins. the last time Pittsburgh was in town I remember leaving the game early because Crosby was lighting it up and a blowout was in the works.
Today was a little different, the shaky Flames have yet to win and regulation at home that haven’t had a lot of luck against the Penguins. Is the post game vignette.
- Kari Ramo in net again getting the start. He played probably his best game of the season.
- ultimately the turn around in the Flames’ play is probably a result of their improvement in defensive zone coverage. You can credit the return of TJ Brodie for that.
- Coach Hartley hopefully has found some answers to his like juggling problems. That second line with Backlund in the middle and Frolik and Bennet on the wings in deadly. Backlund had three assists, Bennett had two points including a beauty goal.
- Of course the top line continues to produce, not a the result of the play from Hudler or Monahan who continue to struggle, but lead by wee Gaudreau. He had two goals on the night including the empty netter.
- The defence continues to improve, even Deryk Engelland looks competent. They shutdown Sid Crosby we didn’t even register a shot.
- Mr Money Brandon Bollig sat in the pressbox.
- David Jones had a rare penalty shot opportunity and promptly missed the net.
The Flames look to get on a roll with their upcoming 4 game Roadtrip beginning in Florida.
Excellent game…a lot of intensity (31 shots on goal) ….good defensive plays…good net minding…and the forwards were just awesome. The chemistry between line mates had also been conspicuous. Joe Colborne, Johnny Gaudreau, Sam Bennett and Sean Monahan deserve recognition for their excellence; but team collaboration had been conspicuous throughout the 60 minutes of play.
It did seem as though they were in control. A good step forward. Let’s hope they can keep it up.