I can take this loss, I still thought the Flames played relatively well but they looked a little fatigued and were lacking that bit of quality, a lot of passes and shots were just kind of off. It happens.
The thing is -- when the top line isn't able to get it done, which may happen from time to time, the secondary guys have to step up. This is why the James Neal situation is an issue. As much as the Flames will probably get right back in the win column on the backs of the first line, games like this showcase why that depth scoring is needed. The Flames need Neal to be what they paid for.
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A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
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