[calgARI]

That was an astonishingly excellent performance by the Calgary Flames tonight in Game 1. Executed their game plan to perfection for all 60 minutes. Incredible commitment to physical play throughout.

Top line struggled but started to find it in the third period. Gaudreau really got it going late though the other two still struggled throughout. Luckily, just about everyone else was good. Bennett was Calgary's best forward. Unbelievable jam. Won every single puck battle he was in. Backlund also outstanding.

Stajan is as solid as it gets - moving him to center the third line one of many incredible coaching decisions by Bob Hartley this year.

Ferland maybe took that bad penalty but was a major difference maker tonight. What a story.

TJ Brodie was the best player on either team and played the best game of his career. Part of it attributed to Schlemko's emergence as he was also outstanding.

Hiller excellent and totally under control.

Vancouver is atrocious in their own end. They are dangerous off the cycle as they usually are. Flames bent a fair amount but held strong, specifically excellent clearing away second opportunities.

Will be interested to see how things play out with the lineup. I like what Jooris brings but could come out. Granlund I could see coming out. Stajan just so important to give some insulation to a guy like Granlund. Would like to see Shore. Not too common from this team seeing the team shorten to three lines as early as they did, making me a think there will be some changes to the 4th line.

What a thrilling game and performance. The better team won. And that was as good of a hockey game as the Calgary Flames have played in 11 years. This game was vintage 2004.