As a follow-up to my "Seven reasons" post in the GDT:
https://forum.calgarypuck.com/showth...49#post8294849
Seven reasons why the Flames won Game 7
1) Faceoffs
Obviously the Stars suffered a blow when Hintz was unable to play, but overall the Flames did a much better job on the dot. Jarnkrok in particular -- he atoned for Game 6 by going 4 for 4 on defensive zone draws, and 61% overall.
2) Weathering the storm
On two occasions -- the early Benn goal, and the 2-1 Stars goal immediately after we scored -- the Flames could have wilted and let the Stars gain control. But they didn't. I credit Sutter for making sure the team kept to the game plan like they've done all year and didn't lose hope.
3) Stone was a rock
Having to fill the enormous void left by Chris Tanev's absence, Stone fearlessly stepped up with a monster game. Throwing hits all over the ice and bombs from the blue line, he was a difference maker last night.
4) Nikita's redemption
After enduring a player disciplinary hearing where we didn't know if he would even get to play in Game 7, Zadorov responded with a team high 28:42 in icetime last night. Played huge minutes after Kylington was temporarily sidelined due to injury, and he did not get caught up in retribution on Jamie Benn, knowing there were more important battles to conquer.
5) Jacob Markstrom, Vezina Szn
For the last 52 minutes of the game, Markstrom was perfect. When a goal against could have -- and eventually would have -- ended the series, he did not allow it. They will talk a lot about the series Oettinger had -- and rightly so -- but Markstrom was just as good when called upon.
6) Super Tkachuk Brothers
Matthew on the ice, Brady in the stands. Without question Matthew's biggest goal as a Calgary Flame, at a time when we needed it the most. And props to Brady -- a captain and emerging NHL star in his own right -- for supporting his brother in the C of Red. You will often see parents and family in the crowd, but I don't think I've ever seen THAT before.
7) Johnny Game 7
I'll just repeat what I said in the GDT:
Quote:
6) Johnny Hockey will not be denied
Johnny has taken his game to another level in the playoffs, silencing the doubters that said he would fade away in the postseason. He is, and will be the best player on the ice in the biggest game of the season.
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One series down, three more to go.