Quote:
Originally Posted by GioforPM
Markstrom aside, most Oiler goals came on poor puck management (aside from Z's stick breaking which equaled the same thing). The Flames excelled for the most part at keeping it deep, making plays from the corners. But McDavid is most dangerous when there's a blue line turnover, a puck not dumped deep, poor shot choice leading to a ring around exit, etc. That puts him in a one on one. Flames have to keep that in mind.
The Flames essentially locking it down after Rasmus regained the lead gives me a lot of hope for next game. Oilers were desperate but got pretty much no chances (even with a power play). Speaking of powerplays, great job PK! Let's just not have 4 any more.
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Puck and game management were definitely lacking in the second period. Ritchie's turnover at the blue line trying to make a homerun play with a four goal lead infuriated me to no end, and of course they score on it. You're on the fourth line, all we need to do to win this game is get pucks deep and forecheck for the rest of the game, and you're trying to play Harlem Globetrotters. That was not the only example but it was the most obvious one in my mind.
Personally I think the goal flood released some tension from the Dallas series since it was so damned hard to score and had to fight for every inch of ice. The Flames just went into coast mode, including Markstrom.
I have no doubt they'll be a lot tighter in Game 2. It will be interesting to see if the Oilers can tighten up and elevate their game. They did a good job shutting down the Kings in Games 6 and 7 but the Flames just aren't the Kings.
It's ironic given the buzz around the series, but the Oilers should not want to get into a run and gun with the Flames, not the other way around.