Quote:
Originally Posted by moon
Considering they look gassed at the start of the game it seems it would be tough to blame it on the Flames, but perhaps they had a joint practice earlier in the day that the Flames really tired the Hawks out in?
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They did not look gassed in the first period. Best example was how they handled the Calgary powerplay in the 1st compared to the third. In the first they were actively pursuing the puck, making sure Calgary had no room to move the puck through the neutral zone, basically out-skating the opposition to ensure Calgary couldn't set up their powerplay. Skip to the third period, they were playing much more passive on the PK, just trying to contain shots to the outside and protecting the front of the net instead of actively pursuing.
They got gassed as the game went on. There is the factor of 3 games in 4 nights, but that doesn't usually affect teams this early in the season. So you have to conclude that Calgary did wear Chicago down throughout the game by having a constant forecheck and making the Hawks chase down pucks all game.