I don't really see it as much of a bad play by Johnny. He does that 10x a game. I think Braun just played him really well and forced that turnover. Call it a penalty or not (borderline for me, but at that stage in the game I don't expect it getting called), Braun made an excellent play there and kept up with Gaudreau, anticipated Gaudreau's turn, and trapped Gaudreau.
I don't think Gaudreau was deserving of getting called out. He ran out of options I thought. Smith should have had it, but it also wasn't an ugly goal either. Puck was laying at his feet and the Flames were unable to clear.
Game over.
The Flames didn't lose because of the above. They lost because they weren't able to generate enough offence last night (especially on the PP), had a disinterested looking 2nd period, and seemed disinterested in pushing back to try and even it up after that. It was a defeated team. The Flames are often 'defeated' before the horn blows down by one, and I find that disappointing.
Too many defensive breakdowns for my liking, not enough offence being generated (especially by the backend - just watch how Nashville does it compared to the Flames) and a group of players that look rattled half the time they are playing. The PP needs fixing - and given that Brouwer is still a mainstay on it while being so offensively inept is bewildering at this point. Try something else.
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