Flames lead series 2-1.
I don't know how many people gave us a chance in this series without our top line performing at their best, but here we are with a series lead despite some mediocre to poor play from Monahan, Hudler, and Gaudreau. I will say this, Hudler hasn't been his normal tenacious and energetic self, so I wonder if he's either under the weather or playing hurt. Neither would surprise me right now. Monahan has been slowly getting better as the series goes on, and he definitely was recovering from an illness at the start of the series, so that's understandable. Gaudreau looked to be dealing with an adjustment to the increased physical nature of the game in the playoffs, but it looks like he's starting to figure it out, as he always does, because he had several really excellent shifts in the last game. That being said, that line has 4 points between them in 3 games, which isn't too bad, but a collective -10, so they've been victimized more than any other line. They need to pick up their defensive play and get in the attacking zone more often. As soon as they do that, this team will be exceptionally tough to beat since every other line is playing a strong defensive game. Only Russell and Wideman are in the negative in +/- besides that top line. Some of this has been due to the strong play from Jonas Hiller who has a .929 Sv% and GAA of 2.09 through the first 3 games. Offensively, the Flames have been scoring by committee, with no player having more than 3 points (Kris Russell). Only the following players have failed to register a point in the series so far: Jiri Hudler (this is a problem), Matt Stajan, Josh Jooris, Markus Granlund, Deryk Engelland, Corey Potter, and Tyler Wotherspoon.
For the Canucks, they have also been scoring by committee too, with only the following players for them not having a point yet: Brad Richardson, Derek Dorsett, Dan Hamhuis, Kevin Bieksa, and Yannick Weber. People have made a lot about the fact that Bieksa and Sbisa haven't been very good, but Bieksa is +1 and Sbisa is -1 with 1 assist. Yannick Weber has been really poor for them so far, going -3 and no points despite being a key player on their power play. On the flip side, Bo Horvat has had a very good series so far, scoring a goal and 2 assists for 3 points in 3 games so far, leading his team in scoring. Also of note is the play of Chris Tanev, who has 2 assist and is a team leading +3 through the first 3 games. A big surprise is that the Sedins both only have 1 point each so far, so as poor as the Flames' top line has been, the Sedins have been just as bad. They've been worse offensively, but better defensively since they are still both +1.
But this series isn't about scoring and defending at the moment. It has become about physical play and energy. The Flames have been carrying that, led by Michael Ferland's series leading 18 hits, 9 of which came in the last game. It's clear the Canucks were frustrated by the intense physicality of certain players on the Flames, but more so , they were obviously struggling with the energy of the Flames. It doesn't mean they can't deal with it, because we've seen how they've countered speed and enthusiasm with quick passing in their own zone and active sticks to break up rushes, but as the Flames continue to adjust to their system, their speed and energy should give them an advantage. The Canucks will have to continually provide a new wrinkle in their defensive schemes to keep the Flames' attack at bay if they want to have success in the series. This boils down to how well Desjardins prepares his team, and how well Hartley counters this. This series will ultimately come down to a coaching battle, because both these teams have equal strengths and weaknesses, but just in different categories.
Tonight is a big game for the Canucks. Lose, and they're down 3-1 with all the momentum going Calgary's way. Win, and the series is tied, becoming a best of 3 with home ice advantage returning to the Canucks. You have to assume that they will be incredibly desperate to win and have a lot of energy in the 1st period. They may even take more chances than normal to get an early lead. This means the Flames must be ready to handle the onslaught, take care of their own zone efficiently, and be productive on the counter-attack. Hiller will likely be counted on again to hold the fort early on. It's a big game, and whatever team is more cohesive will likely come out on top. Huge 2 points tonight!
Roster Notes: nothing of note for either team, and it's hard to read much into roster decisions since both teams had optional practices. Hartley rarely changes things after a win, so expect the same lines today. Wotherspoon only played 5 minutes in the last game, so he hasn't necessarily cemented his spot in the lineup...could be a change there. No word out of the Canucks camp on any roster changes, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Weber out and someone like Stanton or Clendening in the lineup instead. No suspensions were handed out after last game, so Burrows, Bieksa, and Hamhuis will all be available for tonight.
Flames
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bennett-Backlund-Colborne
Ferland-Stajan-Jones
Bollig-Jooris-Raymond
Russell-Wideman
Brodie-Engelland
Schlemko-Wotherspoon
Hiller
Canucks
D. Sedin-H. Sedin-Burrows
Higgins-Bonino-Vrbata
Matthias-Richardson-Dorsett
Kenins-Horvat-Hansen
Edler-Tanev
Hamhuis-Weber?
Bieksa-Sbisa
Lack
GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!!!!!!