It really wasn't a bad game from the Flames I thought. Vancouver just really pushed this game, as they know their season is basically on the line for this stretch. Facing a desperate team like Vancouver is - well, that's what that should look like, IMO.
Flames bent, but didn't break, and eventually turned this game around. I predicted in the GDT that it would essentially be over by the end of period one. Everything was going to plan, but that sneaky puck sitting there allowed Vancouver to tie it up.
I would say that the Flames have turned a bit of a corner, even with this game. I thought I saw a better effort out there than in the other games where they got out-shot. Vancouver sucks.. they absolutely do.. but they are still an NHL hockey team, and when teams have to push really hard, they can have a say in the game. Vancouver had their say to start, and Calgary replied and took the game, with a huge game from Markstrom and everyone pitching in to tighten up defensively after the first.
Gio is back to his young and fresh. Love to see it. If he can return to last season's Giordano, this team will have two top line pairings. If he gets onto a bit of a roll here, it can really turn his season around. I wouldn't bet against him.
Mangiapane stood out this game. I thought Tanev was huge in this game. Did I say Markstrom already? Yes I did, but he deserves two shout-outs.
I think that good teams find a way to win ugly games. You don't want to see a game like this end up becoming a few games like this in a row, but a good team will find a way to win an ugly game, and then move on to the next one and do better. As I mentioned, Vancouver was raring to go and pressing for the first half of the game. The Flames were bending, but they never broke, and by the third period they straightened-out. I don't look at this as a 'lack of effort' game by them - this was a huge push by the Canucks who have their backs against the wall.
It will be interesting to see what happens by the next time these two teams meet (in 2 days! lol). Things might have changed a lot for the Canucks with all these 'Fire Benning' chants.
On Saturday, will the Canucks come in defeated and disoriented? Will they come with the same urgency that they displayed tonight? Or will they come totally loose and dangerous, thinking that there is nothing to play for, and therefore nothing to lose? Who cares - Flames will beat them any way they come!
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