Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
We've all been fairly cautious in terms of where our belief level in this team is, but what we saw last night is a pretty good indication of where this team is.
They traded punches with a team thats way above their weight class.
There were some inexperienced mistakes and some poor goals allowed, but this team isnt at the point where these kinds of things are unacceptable or unexpected.
Not to mention, an experienced team wouldnt get into a run-and-gun competition against Chicago.
They're going to make mistakes, they're going to have off nights. Overall I think we should be pretty pleased especially when you consider the guys that are out and the fact that they're coming off a huge game against Anaheim.
Its also important when you consider the level of expectations for both teams.
The Hawks are among a small group of teams that are gunning for a cup. They're not just contenders, they're favourites.
The Flames? Decimated by injuries but buoyed by youthful exuberance, but we're not even sure they're going to make the playoffs.
All in all though, that was a hell of a game. I remember seeing Flames teams go down 2-0 and fold like a cheap tent, these guys got their asses off the mat and came back swinging.
And, if nothing else, thats a huge positive.
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This is how I felt too... both Anahaim and Chicago, back to back... we won one (close), and were close on the other. Besides the fact that I can't believe a no name, undrafted prospect is one of our key players who was on the ice with a few seconds left in the game last night (Josh Jooris) - everything they've done so far for this first quarter of the season shows they do, in fact, go toe to toe with the best in the NHL and they are almost equal. So far anyways..... the 2nd quarter will be very telling. They've made a believer out of me that they are no fluke, but that 2nd quarter (the dog days of the NHL) really seperates the men from the boy's, so we'll see how that goes. They are no fluke though; consistancy though, will be a different thing, which is what we'll see the next quarter.