Entertaining win to start the year — I remember last year’s games against the Avs were track meets, but I felt tonight the Flames were with them step for step (having them play last night probably helped).
As for the new guys, I was very impressed seeing them live. Kadri has a great motor and was very noticeable tonight — thought his line looked really good. Huberdeau has elite vision and is so poised with the puck, no panic at all. Also showed good acceleration to get after loose pucks (I don’t think he’s a burner but his quickness was evident). He and Lindholm seemed REALLY happy to connect on that PP goal — I think when Huberdeau says he wants Lindholm to score 50 this year he means it.
Weegar was solid and apparently his analytics were fantastic tonight. Thought he was fighting the puck a bit but it was nice seeing him able to kill plays with his speed and positioning — his rush helped to set up the Ritchie goal. Thought Rooney struggled, as did the Backlund line (no disrespect to Trevor Lewis because I thought he was okay but I’m not sure he’s suited for that role long term).
P.S. Colorado’s transition game in the neutral zone is insane, but that’s what happens when you have guys like Mackinnon (his goal tonight was filthy).
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