[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

Well, what a bittersweet end that was to the 2021-22 season. Not going to lie, didn't see the Flames being put away in 5 by the Oilers based on their season series this year.

Honestly, I had a really bad feeling after game 2. They say you're never in trouble until you lose at home and it just felt like that was a game the Flames needed to have. Nobody was beating that Oiler team in game 3, you can't play the sport much better than they played that night.

Games 4 & 5 were pivotal and honestly, I just wasn't impressed with the team's resolve. Some guys came to play while some had one foot already out the door. Part of me believes it was the goaltending they were getting. There's just something about not getting saves that can suck the life right out of the team and they hadn't seen it in that state all season.

Another part of me believes McDavid had the team feeling equally defeated as he was just going to singlehandedly win the series for his team and there was nothing the Flames could do about it.


Whatever it ended up being, this series didn't feel that close. The Oilers deserved the series win because they wanted it more. It wasn't even just the McDrai show, I thought Hyman, RNH, Kane and even Smith had their moments in this series. The Oiler's top 6 dominated at various times in this series and team simply had no answer. In terms of overall play, I'd say the Oilers:

- Speed was overwhelming at times, especially in transition
- Out-checked the Flames which made life miserable for the Flames defense
- Out-defended the Flames well both in transition and on the cycle
- Smith's puck playing ability really helped thwart the Flames attack


In terms of why I think the Flames lost:

- Were dominated by the Oiler's top 6, it wasn't close. Backlund's line tried their best to even out the difference, but they were no match
- Out-duelled in the goaltending department. Markstrom was suppose to be a game breaker for the Flames, but gave the team zero confidence and zero belief
- Depth failed to show up, they provided very little to nothing against the Oil.
- Looking at the numbers, the top line held their own, but most of their damage came early. Ultimately they were on the ice for too many goals against and in contrast to the Oiler's top line, just looked paltry by comparison


I think in the end, it's kind of sad that the Flames' strengths actually became their weaknesses. The much talked about advantage in depth and in goal did not materialize. The Flames' checking ability was almost non existent for 80% of this series and in actuality, it was the Oiler's checking game that really punished the Flames. Very bittersweet end to an otherwise enjoyable season. In other years, this may have been a successful season, but losing to the Oilers in that fashion will haunt us though. That's sports for you, it's happiness or misery and not much in-between.

A perfect summary of what occurred. Thanks.