I didn't like the officiating, but I had no issues with the goal being called back. Those are the rules, and it is one of those rules that is black and white - either there was a touch, or there wasn't. No interpretation needed. Sucks, but I don't have an issue with it. Perhaps the issue here is that it is reviewable at all - maybe the missed calls that happened should be reviewable only so far back, or so many touches back, irrespective of team? Either way, the refs reviewed it, saw the touch, and the right (but unfortunate for the Flames) call was made.
It just seems like the Flames played a really strong first period, a terribly sloppy 2nd, and a decent 3rd. That's not good enough against Mathews apparently. This is the issue for Calgary - they have to play a perfect game in all three periods, as they are missing that high-end talent.
Against Edmonton, they have to make sure that they play a perfect game. If they have another sloppy game in the neutral zone or on defence, they will get blown out. They have been doing a great job mostly for a while. I thought that they were recently sloppy against the Coyotes, but managed to win. Coyotes don't have those high-end players to turn a game, however. Playing the Leafs before playing the Oilers will hopefully be a good reminder to remain focused in an otherwise more emotional setting. Having the loud Leafs fans in the stands and knowing it is a highly-viewed game causes some players to try to do too much at times, especially on their own. Hopefully this is a reminder to just settle down, trust the system, and hold McDavid and Draisaitl to nothing. You do that, and there is a strong chance that streak is broken. You give them anything, and one goal will lead into three or four it seems.
As for the loud fans in the Saddledome from the other teams:
Vancouver fans haven't been as noticeable because they have become irrelevant. Oilers fans are now very loud too, because their team is seen as a contender and everyone is excited, while in Calgary it has been a bit disappointing. Toronto fans are all excited right now too. The best way to quiet opposing fans is to make the Flames more exciting and successful. Having a better Flames team will make the Flames actually score first, and more often, leaving the opposing fans a bit depressed. Also, there will be less of them as Flames fans want to see their 'exciting and successful' team beat those other teams, instead of having these tickets available for purchase, or using these incoming teams as a way to subsidize their season tickets. In essence, have a great team, and the opposing fans in your own arena become an afterthought, even the Leafs fans (who I think are the absolute worst, with Oilers' fans coming in a close 2nd).
Hopefully Pospisil heals up quickly and returns at the same level soon. He has been a heck of an addition. I look forward to seeing Klapka in the lineup.
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