Thoughts:
- Flames played a bad game and they only lost by 1 with Dallas bringing their all. That's an encouraging thought.
- Tkachuk is so very important to the success of Backlund and Mangiapane. Dallas neutralized him with physical play (I really hope he's okay), and both Mang and Backs wilted.
- Sam Bennett is one of our best forwards, and he's very good. This kid needs to stay at centre, and the Flames need to give him proper linemates in the regular season. Stop shifting him around.
- Cam Talbot was the 2nd best goalie tonight and Ben Bishop was complete !@#$ on skates. I'd like to see Rittich in the game tomorrow. I like him more as a goalie and as a Flame.
- Giordano's struggles are concerning because his work ethic is still very visibly there. The hustle is there. It's the brain that seems to be failing him, and that's where you get concerned.
- Ward made good use of the timeout. I did not like how he changed lines in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Do not break up the 1 line that is working. Put the two lines that aren't working in a blender.
- It's hard not to be completely exhausted of Johnny Gaudreau at this stage. He's an elite talent, but the combo of him and Monahan are an absolute playoff disaster.
- This team needs MORE Sam Bennett. Cultivate this player. Put your trust in him. He's one of the guys to carry this team forward.
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