[Cali Panthers Fan]

Haven't read through this thread yet, but here are my thoughts:

-Hard fought game from both teams. Canucks deserve some credit for playing a very structured defensive game with good work ethic. Made the most of their offensive opportunities. Green has them playing to the best of their abilities.

-Flames played very good defense tonight. I know it's the Canucks and they were missing one of their top offensive players, but there's enough offense on this team that if you are lazy, they will put the puck in the net. Stone lost his man temporarily on the first goal after a scramble. Boeser puts in an easy one on the PP. Which brings me to my next point.

-Horrible special teams from the Flames tonight. That PK still needs work. They still give up chances right in front of the net. There needs to be more focus on cutting down the chances in the home plate area. Don't even get me started on the power play. Just an embarrassing effort, regularly getting outworked for pucks. You still have to work hard on the PP guys.

-I thought the 4th line had a great game. They didn't play in their own zone a lot and they had the most consistent offensive pressure of any line tonight. Lazar and Brouwer both particularly looked engaged. Keep it up boys.

-I thought Gaudreau had a lazy game tonight. Lots of lazy plays from him. He just didn't have it going for most of the night, but part of that could be the focus he was getting from the Canucks. They just didn't give him or Monahan any space and they dared anyone else on the ice to beat them.

-I thought Dougie had his best game all year. He was sharp and focused in both the defensive and offensive zones, regularly moving the puck up ice and creating chances offensively. He shot freely, which is when I know he's feeling good about his game. I hope this means he's turning his season around, because I've felt he's played some of his worst hockey in these first 25 games or so.

-Credit to Tkachuk for taking the criticism, but not letting it effect the type of game he needs to play. Not amazing all night, but clutch when it counted.

-Sam Bennett is a winger. Everything about his game screams winger to me, and a very effective one at that. With Janko looking rock solid at center, I think this is a duo you are going to see for a very long time. I also LOVED Hathaway's game tonight. He's getting more and more comfortable at the NHL level and is adding something every time he's on the ice.

We can talk about this being the Canucks and how we should be beating them, but the standings indicates that they are just as good as we are in terms of results, so this was actually a big win. Hopefully, this improved defensive play from the Flames means they've turned the corner on their season and are figuring it out. Good to see.