My impression was this was a tired team looking forward to getting home. The best players on the team didn't play like the best players. Giordano and Brodie were just average and didn't play an overly smart game. Hudler looked disinterested. Gaudreau looked tired and a little scared. Granlund struggled with the size of the Canes. Monahan blended into the woodwork. Hiller looked like Scrivens. Really, the only players that looked any good were Bouma and Reinhart. It was just a very bad effort by the club.
I think there were a few standout performances that the team needs to address. Bollig continues to be the worst player on the team. I didn't think I would say that with Setoguchi on the squad, but it is true, Bollig is horrible. He just doesn't put any effort into his game, at least not like he did in Chicago. I'm not sure if he wants to be in Calgary based on the enthusiasm he shows on the ice. I'd be trying to dish him off right now for whatever I could get.
Wideman looked more like Wideman from last season than the guy that has been playing pretty well for use this season. Is this an indication of him slipping back to his old ways? Is this a time to take advantage of the market for defense men and move him for a young prospect at the position? I'm just not sold on Wideman being a cog in the machine here and would really like to see him moved for a futures piece.
On the bright side, it is nice to see a few pieces in the minors continue their strong play and development toward the NHL. Shout outs to Poirier, Arnold and Agostino for their strong play! I think all three are going to be NHL players and important players in the Flames fortunes over the next half decade. Things are looking bright down the road.
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