[Ziggy Lidstrom]

Entertaining game for sure.

Yet, the flames were outplayed for most of this game. They didn’t really show up until they were down 3-1 with 12 mins to go. Their possession metrics are pitiful against competitive teams.

First was embarrassing despite being tied. Second was very 2000s esque Minnesota wild hockey. No forecheck pressure and no offensive zone time. That first 2mins of the third was the type of brainless abject hockey I have come to expect with this group. Bad man to man coverage and weegar coughs it up with no fwd protecting the front of the net. Lucic tried but was late. Bad d play again.

The next goal, 10 seconds later, they let vilardi just skate through the blue line unmolested and no one can box out or take a stick of their pressuring forwards.

Despite a terrible game they played with urgency and found a way to win a point. Toffoli with a laser and hanifin with a good read to venture behind the net with a beauty pass to a really strong , of late DD.

OT was shambolic. People blame Huberdeau but it was Anderson’s super soft turn over and his inability to stop two passes that went through him. If he was down on the ice earlier there is no return pass to kempe.

Anyway, Tanev is our best defensive player. He’s so smart out there and he’s decent on the rush.

Hanifin had a decent game. He’s a lot better when this team activates the defence to pinch more and roam more.

Vladar looked great again. He’s a starting goalie imo.

Rosie seemed a bit more physical. Got a secondary apple.

Lindy wasn’t noticeable offensively again for me but his dzone play was so responsible.

Backs isn’t consistent offensively but his compete has been the most consistent and impressive part of his game to me. I think he’s the best center for Coleman and mangiapane.

Coleman hasn’t looked like he contributes much outside of gutsy efforts on the birds on the pK. For 5 million id hope for more.

Kadri is mercurial as they get. He just doesn’t trust his line mates. Try Ritchie with him. Crash the net look for a rebound because he is gonna shoot all the time.

Ritchie didn’t play his best game. Looked slow and disengaged.

Lucic is looking better playing on the top line but he doesn’t add that much with his lack of foot speed although that pass to Huberdeau was 200iq. Huberdeau is such a good mind for beating a goalie for in close.

Huby Lewis needs to shoot more yes. That behind the back no look through his legs was sus AF. Yet, he’s still looking better.

Eats bread is frustrating. I don’t like him with kadri. He isn’t looking as lethal as he did last year. Was it a contract year motivation issue or is he being miscast? He does look like he is good at pick possession and cycle play. There has to be a good fit for him.

Doobie is really bringing his intensity of late. I’m happy he’s starting to convert. He scores 20 this year.

Stone looks slow out there and that give away with 3 kings around him was as ugly as I have seen from him this year. He needs to sit. Sure would be nice to have Ok back but we have to make do. Gilbert seems like a better fit but he still has his bell ringing.

Anderson looks like his game comes and goes like Calgary weather. All four season in one day. With him it’s all outcomes in one game. I just don’t see a complete game from him often.

Big Z at least is an elite hitter and physical force out there.

Lewis is solid as ever but he’s pretty long in the tooth. Can’t expect much more from that warrior. Always makes smart plays given his ice time.

Flames win tonight but man the pacific is bad. Although they did get the idea of trying to make Copley move around his net by being more patient and it paid off with that 3rd goal. It seems like they can apply in game adjustments. They were so close to winning in reg despite showing up for the past ten minutes.

They can make the playoffs in this conference but LA looks like the better team right now.