[calgARI]

I'll tell ya what - I can't remember the last time the Calgary Flames played three games in a row where I left thinking they worked extremely hard in each. I think it must have been the 04 playoffs. This isn't a great team and nobody will dispute that, but they try really hard and play the game the way it's meant to be played. How often do they tie games up in the last 30 seconds? How often do they even score goals in the manner that they did to tie it? I can't remember the last time a Flames player forced his way and the puck into the net the way Jones did.

My thoughts on Vancouver are similar to Washington. They are losers who don't compete hard until they have to. Good luck doing that in the playoffs. No question that is a team on the decline and that will not gel with their new coach. I think those guys leave the game thinking they deserved the two points. They were outplayed for 45-50 minutes of that game. Jones and Galiardi are identity players who swarm the net.

The Flames look like the Avs from a couple years ago - that team that was supposed to suck but ended up squeezing into the playoffs because they just swarmed the net all the time and drove teams crazy. Actually thought the Flames were great around their own net the first two periods but it was an all out disaster in the third period.

All started with Glencross's completely unacceptable, lazy turnover that led to the second goal. Someone has to tell that guy he needs to be a role model now and can't just pout when he isn't scoring. I have not been at all pleased with his game through three games.

The McGrattan turnover is a ludicrous coaching mistake. Why in the world is that guy and that line on the ice at that stage of a one-goal game? Inexcusable mistake, rebuild or not.

Other than those things, mostly all positives for me. Thought the third goal was very weak by MacDonald but he obviously came back and made some huge saves. Bottom line is the team is probably going to get some really bad goaltending this year.

Top 4 D have been really good I think in all three zones. And O'Brien has even been fine, has a little Hannan economical smarts to him. I'm not a big Butler basher, but wow did he suck tonight.

Monahan plays as advertised. Super solid and smart. IQ off the charts. Will be interesting to see what happens but given the Flames' depth at center, I don't really understand why he would be sent back. He and Backlund appear to be the only real healthy NHL centers on the team right now. Not sure what Colbourne brings.

Jones has been the best forward through three games. Giordano and Wideman have been the other two best players.

Was really impressed with the second powerplay.

The team got tired late in this one and that was very clear. Mentally tiring to start the season with three home openers. They need a couple of days of practice and video. Will go a long way I think. O it's a rebuild, but as long as they work hard like they have the first three games, I think most will be plenty pleased. Obviously no one is happy about the last few years but seeing the first three games makes me even angrier at how paltry the effort was more often than not from those circus teams. This sport is about hard work and playing the right way and the NHL is no different.