[GDT] Flames @ Blackhawks: The Return of Bollig, 6 p.m., SN

[Cali Panthers Fan]

A huge confidence boost for the Flames came last night in the form of not only a shootout win against a solid opponent, but the one man waving windmill cheering section that was PIMKing. They could probably use PIMKing's support tonight as they face an elite Blackhawks team that is undefeated to start the season. Offensively as dangerous as ever, they've scored 4 GPG so far and average over 36 shots for per game. The attack has been spread evenly amongst the lines with 10 players collecting points in 2 games. Defensively they have been very good keeping opponents to 2 GPG and Crawford has a sparkling Sv% of .930.

Of course, looking at that you would think the Flames are doomed, but Calgary managed to collect 4 of a possible 6 points against the 'Hawks and were a team that gave Chicago a lot of trouble, despite being vastly less talented. A repeat of last night's strong work ethic will need to be on display again to keep this game competitive. Hiller will almost definitely get the start on back to back nights, and that's not a bad thing considering his lifetime 10-6-2 record, GAA of 2.30, and Sv% of .927 against the Blackhawks. With Ramo's incredible performance in 2 games so far this year, Hiller could help his case for the #1 job by stealing a game against the 'Hawks. The back end will have to take care of their own zone first, but the Flames need Giordano and Brodie to keep up their team leading point production (5 and 4 points respectively) to aid a forward core that hasn't had a lot of success scoring so far. There were encouraging signs last night, seeing sustained offensive pressure, outshooting their opponent including 6 from Monahan, and even seeing Devin Setoguchi have a pretty solid game (you heard me right).

After being easily defeated by another high end team in the Blues, this will be a good test for the Flames to see if they've found a way to remain competitive against the elite teams in the West.

Looks like the final lineups are set. Diaz in for injured Engelland

Flames
Glencross-Backlund-Byron
Hudler-Monahan-Setoguchi
Raymond-Colborne-Gaudreau
Bollig-Stajan-Bouma

Giordano-Brodie
Russell-Engelland Wideman
Smid-Wideman Diaz

Hiller

Blackhawks
Sharp-Toews-Kane
Saad-Richards-Hossa
Bickell-Shaw-Smith
Carcillo-Kruger-Morin

Keith-Seabrook
Hjalmarsson-Oduya
Rundblad-Van Riemsdyk

Crawford

*lineups will be updated near game time

Go Flames Go!

[NewFan]

Go Flames Go!

[zukes]

If memory serves, the Flames swept the season series last year. Let's keep it going!

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by zukes

If memory serves, the Flames swept the season series last year. Let's keep it going!

Nope, 2 overtime wins and a late 3rd period collapse. 2-1-0.

[jg13]

It's going to take a miracle to win this game, but we're 2-1 on the road so far! Go Flames Go!

[Resolute 14]

Put up a credible effort, don't get Oiler'd. Anything else is gravy.

[JJ1532]

We're scrapping away and scoring, but my concern is that we'll get battered tonight. We've given up 133 shots in 4 games and conceded 12 in that time, probably conceding more if it wasn't for some super saves from Ramo and Hiller. Need to play smart tonight. They'll have chances, but we need to stop giving them any more than is necessary. No silly turnovers, try and stay solid defensively, use the puck well when we have it.

Need the 4-6 d-men to match Gio and Brodies performance levels so far. Also could do with the top line creating a few more chances as well I think. I'd be happy if we let in fewer than 4 tbh.

[handgroen]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

Incredible job on these Cali, really appreciate the work

[Igster]

Haven't really been all that impressed with Bollig so far. Hopefully this game will get him going.

[Scoutski]

Would be pretty damn impressed if we can get a win tonight. Hopefully the team can ride the Gio + Brodie train to a Flames victory though!

[Travis Munroe]

Originally Posted by Igster

Haven't really been all that impressed with Bollig so far. Hopefully this game will get him going.

I thought last night was without question his best game as a flame. Did everything I would have expected + more...
Keep it going!!

Is Bouma injured?
If so I would prefer to see Gratts in over Jones against a team like Chicago.

[Poe969]

I'm most excited about this game just to see some of the younger guys against an elite team in the league with elite talent. The results don't really matter to me at this point as much as the experience does.

I just don't want them to "oil" this up. As long as they try and show some hustle I'll be happy.

[Mango]

I hear Chicago and I think of the game Ray Emery stole.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

I thought last night was without question his best game as a flame. Did everything I would have expected + more...
Keep it going!!

Is Bouma injured?
If so I would prefer to see Gratts in over Jones against a team like Chicago.

Unless Jones is completely over his injury I think you'll see McGrattan in tonight …IF Bouma can't make it. Odds are that he will because he's basically the Wolverine at this point.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

Unless Jones is completely over his injury I think you'll see McGrattan in tonight …IF Bouma can't make it. Odds are that he will because he's basically the Wolverine at this point.

Death of Wolverine #4 came out yesterday. Too soon, man.

[Vinny01]

Just wanted to say how great it is to have flames hockey back on the air. Love this time of year. Hoping for an effort like last night and a close game. Also can't wait for Johnny to have a breakout game but I suspect that will happen at the dome

[Clever_Iggy]

Originally Posted by Poe969

I'm most excited about this game just to see some of the younger guys against an elite team in the league with elite talent. The results don't really matter to me at this point as much as the experience does..

If I'm Gelinas, I lean over to Johnny on the bench and tell him to watch Kane the entire game.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by JJ1532

We're scrapping away and scoring, but my concern is that we'll get battered tonight. We've given up 133 shots in 4 games and conceded 12 in that time, probably conceding more if it wasn't for some super saves from Ramo and Hiller. Need to play smart tonight. They'll have chances, but we need to stop giving them any more than is necessary. No silly turnovers, try and stay solid defensively, use the puck well when we have it.

Need the 4-6 d-men to match Gio and Brodies performance levels so far. Also could do with the top line creating a few more chances as well I think. I'd be happy if we let in fewer than 4 tbh.

If we had 6 defensemen like Gio and Brodie we'd be the best team in the league (see I used "we"). And it's not even close. With them on the ice the flames are consistently the better team with very, very few exceptions.

Originally Posted by Realtor 1

I thought last night was without question his best game as a flame. Did everything I would have expected + more...
Keep it going!!

Is Bouma injured?
If so I would prefer to see Gratts in over Jones against a team like Chicago.

Bollig threw a very soft clearing attempt up the middle which ended up in our net 6.5 seconds later. His next shift he killed the zone entry twice. He's not good, but I guess he forechecks well

[Heavy Jack]

I hope they put Rams in tonight, let one of our goalies try to go on a run.

[seattleflamer]

Flames get up for the Hawks so I'm hopeful. Monahan breaks the egg tonight with a couple of goals.