A West Division classic between two of the leading teams took place in Winnipeg. Both teams were shrugging off their Christmas hangover, the Flames looking to get back to winning ways after losing 3 straight. This team seems to have the capability to get up for big games against big opponents, and slow down against the likes of St Louis. They have Vancouver on Saturday, and can’t take a shift off. An improved team performance will be necessary as Calgary largely was outplayed in Winnipeg.
If it was for the heroics of Big Save Dave Rittich in net, making monster saves all night, and the continued dominance of the top line lead by Johnny Gaudreau who claimed his 4th career hat-trick, the night would’ve been over by the second period. Give credit for the team’s performance up until this point, but the coach still hasn’t figured out the 3rd and 4th lines yet, and they need to start producing.
James Neal needs better than Quine on the wing to get moving. Get Frolik back up there.
Indeed, significant thought has to be given.
The players seem to be contributing in their own way….physically, taking hits and outsmarting opposition. Not everyone can score…opportunities have to be presented. Yet extraneous factors need to be considered…..something that is occurring daily.