I have lots of
incessant ramblings thoughts
On the game: This one stung a little as I was sure we were in the middle of Hiller steal 2.0 just before the goal happened. Would be easier to shake off if not for the 4 similarly frustrating games preceding it. The pace of the game (for the most part) was fantastic and exciting. Chicago had the better of the zone time, especially in the third obviously, probably because Toews, Kane and Keith are amazing hockey players and the supporting cast of Sharp, Hossa, Seabrook, Saad, Versteeg, even Richards, Hjammer is basically unmatched league-wide. We looked like the second-best team out there because, at this point in time, we are.
On the last goal (Gaudreau): Likely a tough one for Gaudreau to swallow. Sucks for the kid because it happened while doing what he does best. He'll bounce back, I wouldn't change the way he played it mostly because I know nothing.
On the last goal (Gio): Sure, you can look back and say they shouldn't be that aggressive late in a tie game. For me, it looked like it was only a matter of time before the 'Hawks scored one, so I have zero problem with the defense jumping up there, trying to create a break. Most of the time, Gaudreau makes a play and we're looking at a great scoring chance. The way Hartley has the D playing has allowed the Flames to lead the league in defensive scoring. These types of quick turnaround chances will happen as a by-product.
On the 'vet curse': Purely coincidence for me. Can't see how Knight in for Stajan, Baertschi in the Raymond and Ferland in for Colborne makes any serious impact on any of these last games. Convenient point of contention for fans who (not wrongly) love to see the rookies play. Colborne I thought had his best game back. He's at his best forechecking and using his body to protect the puck. Him and Byron make a good tandem on the forecheck IMO. Raymond I'm not seeing where the hatred is coming from. Off the top of my head I remember a great defensive play using his body to start a breakout, and a couple loose pucks picked up in the offensive zone turned into quick, hard, low wrist shots. Didn't notice any glaring mistakes from him or Stajan.
On the losing streak: 5 close games. 4 in which the Flames were arguably the better team. All of which the Flames had a good chance of collecting points. Can't be too mad when thinking about the bigger picture, which is that a team in rebuild year 2 is still in the playoff picture and has a good record and goal differential after losing 5 straight in regulation. I'm impressed! Coming home will have never felt so good for this team. Jay Feaster tweeted it best when he said Hartley's formula for coming home from a road swing needs to be bottled and sold, so I'd be shocked if this streak goes any further.
On the future: It looks good
