[calgARI]

Well all I wanted for years was to see a team that played hard and through two games, it is clear that, if nothing else, these guys play hard. I actually think the biggest challenge this season will be the goaltenders stopping pucks. Hard work goes a long long way in this league as we learned in 04. Can't remember the last time the Flames had so much effective backside pressure in a game but it was sure a pleasure to see. Broke up like 4-5 very good scoring chances that were in the net the last couple of years.

Monahan looks like a Thornton/Spezza type to me - never flying but high hockey IQ and just effective on the offensive side of the puck.

Baertschi had some nice sequences but still clearly lacking in confidence.

Giordano playing exceptionally well the first two games. Thought the blueline as a whole was solid and economical. With average NHL goaltending they would looked a lot better than they have. I mean, how many very good scoring chances did the team give up tonight?

Brodie looked a lot better tonight and is a beautiful skater. No issues with Wideman or Russell. Like how tough Russell plays. People rip on O'Brien but he seems fine to me for what he is.

Colbourne struggled I thought. I wonder - if he wasn't 6'5, would he just be playing college somewhere?

Thought Jones wasn't as good tonight but still fine while Galiardi took some important steps forward. He's an ugly skater but when he gets going, he can go. And he drives the net every time which drove me crazy the last few years but something the team really lacked as well. Has some Holmstrom in him.

Stempniak and Glencross were both solid though I'm expecting more out of the latter.

Hudler showed some nice skill throughout.

McGrattan sure did well in his limited ice tonight. Like Street as well at least on the fourth line. Have no idea why he drew in on the pp or ot last night.

Seems strange that they have been able to score the last couple of nights but who in the world would have thought they wouldn't have trailed for a second through 2 home openers on the road? They work hard. If we can keep saying that, then it won't be that miserable of a season.