Calgary 3 – Boston 4 (SO)
The Calgary Flames opened the 2018 pre-season in China facing the Boston Bruins. The Flames have brought their starting lineup, whereas the Bruins left half at home. Although Calgary outshot the Bruins throwing 40 pucks at Halak, they couldn’t pull out a late win. In fact, they looked like the FLames of old, including going 2 for 8 on the PP (including a late PP to tie). The defence looked at time in shambles, and the offence couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities.
All pre-season jitters mind you. But for fans, they’re looking at this team wondering if replacing nearly 2 full lines is going to make a difference. So far there’s a bit more speed and a whole lot of questions.
Notes: Jon Gillies started and played the full game. He looked like Jon Gillies. Monahan, Gaudreau, Backlund, looked like their normal selves. Mixed bag after that.
But hey, hockey’s back!
