[TheScorpion]

First of all — just wanted to apologize for being overly negative in the Game 2 GT and PGT. Thursday was a frustrating day in many respects, well beyond the game, and some of my posts were over-the-top negative and cynical and even a bit sanctimonious. Thanks to those who called me out on that.

At the end of the day -- I endlessly appreciate that hockey is back and that you all are here to chat about it. That's all that matters... and we're all in this together.

Now, let's move on from Game 2. Gotta move on quickly, especially in a B2B.

The Flames, historically, are pretty darn good in Game 3s. Back in 2015, they won both of em. They came pretty close in 2017. They crucially beat Winnipeg last week in Game 3 to put a stranglehold on that series.

Now, today is the biggest test yet for this core. They have an opportunity to make up for lost ground. They have an opportunity to overcome some serious adversity. Coming off a rough goaltending performance from Talbot, a potential injury to Tkachuk, and less-than-ideal showings from Gaudreau and Giordano, they have a lot to prove. Can they do it? We can hope.

With Tkachuk potentially out of commission, check back here for news regarding a revised lineup. We might see Rinaldo, Robinson, or Quine return to the fold, or Byron Froese make his Flames debut. Who knows?

As for goaltending... it's entirely possible that David Rittich makes his first-ever appearance for the Flames in the playoffs today. I think this could be a secret weapon for the Flames... we've all seen Big Save Dave come roaring out of the gates before in the regular season. This ain't so dissimilar!

Go Flames Go.