I think the PGT title is a bit harsh. This was a very closely matched game between two good teams that had a playoff atmosphere. Loved Cuthbert as usual - something feels right about Cuthbert and Darryl. What's old is new again.
This team has another gear and if Darryl needs the points he can exploit it. After the 04 run, the biggest complaint about the flames is that they would dig a hole early and would have to work way too hard to make the playoffs that they were burnt out by the time they got there. Since (and Tre has said this), they want to roll 4 balanced lines and come in waves.
What I don't understand (and maybe the above is the reason) is why in a close game like this, the flames don't shorten the bench in the 3rd. Roll the following two lines:
Johnny-Monny-Lindholm
Chucky-Backlund-Mangiapane
Every 4 shifts run:
Nordstrom-Doc-Dube (or some other defensive combo that can get the puck out and force the opposition goalie to freeze the puck)
Matching Vali up a bit softer would also help...
This team refuses to shorten the bench early in the season, likely because it is using this time to experiment and balance work load, but I can't see a scenario where Darryl doesn't start doing this kind of in-game management.
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Go Flames Go
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