So…THAT happened.
I honestly thought the Canucks had moved on from being a detestable team, but lo and behold they haven’t changed all that much. Forget the debacle of the referees doing a poor job of protecting the players, regardless of who the original aggressors were, that last display in the dying minutes proved once again that the Canucks are just a dirty, disrespectful organization. What’s worse is how badly they lied about the events afterward (Hamhuis claiming the referee deputized him to subdue Engelland), or just flat out disrespected the Flames (I’m looking at you Bieksa). You didn’t hear any of that stuff coming from the Flames post-game interviews, and you likely never will. Not to mention the possibility that Engelland could have been suspended for today’s game despite being ganged up on by 2 Canucks. Don’t worry, his instigator penalty was rescinded by the league, although Hartley was still fined $50 000 for having those guys on the ice at the end of the game. So be it. If that’s the way it’s going to be there’s no doubt the Flames would be willing to oblige.
So here’s what all that means. Instead of the Flames feeling down about a poorly played game overall that they were never really in, they get to go back to their home ice galvanized by the events in the last few minutes. I can only imagine what kind of a fire all this will brew inside the bellies of the Flames the rest of the series. All Vancouver had to do was hold onto some jerseys at the end of the game and let it all die down, but no, they couldn’t help themselves and they had to cross the line, giving the Flames endless motivation to whup them in this series. Even if Vancouver somehow wins the series, they will pay such a physical toll that they’ll likely get swept in the next series.
Ok, so maybe I only half believe what I just wrote, but it does change the motivational dynamic for the Flames. What was a tough and respectable opponent has now become a bitter enemy, especially for those like Gaudreau who are new to the rivalry. Even he got so angry last night that he started mixing it up with the Canucks, something I advise that he no longer do of course. What he needs to do is channel that rage into using his skills to dismantle the Canucks’ defense night in and night out. Seriously, make them look foolish. That would be the best revenge. Of course, we all know the top line has not played particularly well to start this series, but lost in the shuffle of the late game antics was the fact that both Gaudreau and Monahan assisted on Russell’s late shutout breaking tally. It’s not a big deal, but hopefully that kicks them into gear. With the way that trio has struggled, do not be shocked to see them split up for a few shifts like they were in the last game.
It’s time for playoff hockey again in the saddledome. It’s time again for the C of Red to emerge and make any visitor feel very unwelcome. But most importantly, it’s time to move on from the events of last game and start winning some games. Let’s do this. Huge 2 points on the line.
Roster Notes: Bouma, Byron, and Diaz are still listed as day-to-day, but I would not expect any of them to play tonight. Sam Bennett did undergo an evaluation after a jarring hit from Edler slighty shook him up, but according to him and the team he’s 100% ready to go for tonight. I highly doubt you see either of Bollig or Ferland come out of the lineup any time soon after last game's shenanigans. The only possible lineup change I could see is Shore in for Granlund for more size. Hiller is the confirmed starter tonight, even though Ramo finished the last game. Only Kassian is still injured for the Canucks, so expect their lineup to look identical to last game.
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.- for anyone going to the game today, no fighting with Canuck fans please. We're better than that.
Go Flames Gooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!