Great comeback after a uninspiring first two periods. Flames got caught standing around too much, no hustle and tried reacting to Anaheim game. I knew all they need is one good spark and they'll be back in the game. I didn't think Anaheim was outplaying them in those two periods, they are just letting the Ducks go around them instead of usually hard forechecking. Ducks' two goals in those two periods were luck. First one looks like it hit Diaz skate and the other was a tipped in. I am so glad they woke up in the third period and outplayed the Ducks. Not a perfect win but it'll do.
I was very impressed with the following players :
Johnnie Gaudreau : This guy is a speedster and can skate very well with the puck. He was awesome all-around with or without the puck. That Wideman goal that he assisted was pretty good. He stole the puck from Ducks player then threw the puck to Wideman.
Mark Giordano : this is what it means to be 'leading by example'. One play in the third
period where looks like he got beat and Duck player going on a breakaway only to get stripped by Giordano. Good hustle and what a good skater. Him and Brodie are all over the ice. If I am a defender, I would probably get dizzy following these two guys. One minute he is at the point, then the next thing you know they are deep and close to goaltender.
TJ Brodie : pretty much the same review as Gio.
Dennis Wideman : a lot of posters wanted this guy gets traded because they claimed he is a terrible defender. When Flames signed him, it was because of his offensive skill and they figured he can help the power play and also move the puck. He was not signed because he is a Norris trophy candidate. I like that we have 4 mobile defensemen who can make great first pass. I think these 4 guys(Brodie, Giordano, Wideman and Russell) complement each other. Other teams cannot just key on #1 D pairing because they knew #2 D pairing might do some damage. Part of the reason for Flames success in the early season are the plays of their Ds. They are always involved with pretty much all the plays. That confuses the other team's defenders. How many teams in the NHL that have 4 puck-moving defensemen? Yes there are times that Wideman gets beat but the majority of his plays are on a positive side especially since Hartley reunited him with Kris Russell. The poor guy has to play with Derek Smith or Chris Butler or Chris Breen and even a raw Tyler Wotherspoon who I think will be in the top 4 D in the future for the Flames.
I don't hate Devon Setoguchi, but everytime Hartley puts him in a lineup, he doesn't really blow him out of his mind. Like he plays like an average player out there. There are times that he'll make some good plays and at times bad. He is not a liability but I think we expect more from him. Young guys like Jooris, Granlund and even Baerschi and Reinhart outplays him. Not so sure about this guy. I really think that once everyone gets healthy, he shouldn't be in the lineup ahead of Jooris or Granlund.
By the way, I hope the Flames convinced a lot of doubters that they can play against the big boys. They are for real and I give credits to the coaching staff especially.
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