Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire
Size was definitely a factor in this game. The Flames couldn't handle the forecheck of the bigger Shark players causing them to hemmed in their own zone for lot of the game. They need more big and skilled guys like Ferland on this team or the Flames stand little chance against a big physical team in the playoffs.
Like it or not, having size is still important in the NHL.
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I am a big believer is size. But I disagree that it was a big factor in this game.
The Flames carried the majority of the 5 on 5 play IMO, other than late in the 1st and early in the 2nd. And their problems stemmed from bad decisions trying to make passes instead of taking the safe play.
The Flames defensive zone coverage is all about collapsing and blocking lanes with their sticks. Every team gets extended zone time against them as a result. But last night, like most nights, the opposition was kept to the outside the vast majority of the time.
Except for two bad clearing attempts and a lucky bounce over the net that Ramo lost sight of and left Marleau alone in front, the Flames played a terrific hockey game.
Any one of those pucks doesn't go in and we are reading a very different PGT here.