Series: Flames-1 Canucks-0
Can't say enough about the resolve of the Calgary Flames. Things were not going their way in the last game, but they found a way to get better as the game went along, and kept pressing for the lead, even with under a minute to play. Other than that, the game was incredibly even, and nobody should expect anything different tonight. The Flames didn't play their best game, but neither did the Canucks. It was a feeling out game that will likely dictate how the rest of this series is played out. The Canucks are likely going to press harder in the offensive zone to get more goals past Hiller, and as they take more chances the Flames will have to capitalize on the counter-attack. Should be interesting to see how the coaches prepare their teams for tonight. You have to think the Canucks are scared to go down 2-0 in the series and then go on the road, so expect a very intense effort from them tonight.
Roster Notes: Monahan does NOT have a shoulder injury, as per himself and Hartley. So unless they're lying about an injury (can they do that?), we have to take them at their word. Monahan did admit to being sick the last few days, so that's likely why he didn't practice much or play particularly well. With several players with nicks and bruises, the Flames lineup is not set for tonight, but you would have to imagine that both Ferland and Bennett did enough to keep themselves in the lineup for the time being. Zack Kassian remains out of the lineup with a back injury for the Canucks, but several of their players are still not at 100%. Bieksa didn't practice yesterday, but is expected to be in tonight.
Flames
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bennett-Backlund-Colborne
Ferland-Stajan-Jones
Bollig-Granlund-Jooris
Russell-Wideman
Brodie-Engelland
Schlemko-Potter
Hiller
Canucks
D. Sedin-H. Sedin-Burrows
Higgins-Bonino-Vrbata
Matthias-Richardson-Dorsett
Kenins-Horvat-Hansen
Edler-Tanev
Hamhuis-Weber
Bieksa-Sbisa
Lack
p.s. My Monahan retro jersey arrived last night. It's an omen. He's about to have a big game.
p.p.s. Sorry for the late thread.
Go Flames Go!!!!!!!!!