[Game Takes] Wings 3 Flames 2

[Bingo]

http://www.calgarypuck.com/2015/01/g...gs-3-flames-2/

[FlameZilla]

Really bad luck. Deserved a point at least.

If Mrazek's helmet doesn't come off do you think they still call off that goal? Pretty harsh call.

I'm very happy to have Backs back. He was our best player and his strong play is going to be needed on the upcoming tough road trip.

Any word on Ramo?

[Red Slinger]

There was a distinct difference in style of play. Wings, as usual, relied heavily on puck possesion while it seemed the Flames would chip the puck out of their zone on the first sign of trouble. The Wings also seemed to be standing up the blueline forcing the Flames to dump in it quite a bit while the Wings seemed to have an easier time entering the zone. I haven't looked at the stats but it looked like the Flames had a tonne of giveaways.

The Wings are a tough match-up for the Flames from a style of play perspective. I suspect they'll continue to have issues with strong puck possession teams going forward.

[killer_carlson]

I was in the car for part of the first period, but from the radio broadcast it sure sounded like Datsyuk threw a pretty big check into Gaudreau. At least a big check for Datsyuk. Was that the hardest Gaudreau's been hit this season? Or was it much ado about nothing?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I was in the car for part of the first period, but from the radio broadcast it sure sounded like Datsyuk threw a pretty big check into Gaudreau. At least a big check for Datsyuk. Was that the hardest Gaudreau's been hit this season? Or was it much ado about nothing?

It was a really hard open ice shoulder into Johnny's chest and knocked him down. It was definitely one steamboat after Johnny had passed the puck, so it was a bit late though

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Red Slinger

There was a distinct difference in style of play. Wings, as usual, relied heavily on puck possesion while it seemed the Flames would chip the puck out of their zone on the first sign of trouble. The Wings also seemed to be standing up the blueline forcing the Flames to dump in it quite a bit while the Wings seemed to have an easier time entering the zone. I haven't looked at the stats but it looked like the Flames had a tonne of giveaways.

The Wings are a tough match-up for the Flames from a style of play perspective. I suspect they'll continue to have issues with strong puck possession teams going forward.

We saw a similar thing on Friday where the Islanders simply clogged the neutral zone and totally stymied the Flames transition game.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

I'm very happy to have Backs back. He was our best player and his strong play is going to be needed on the upcoming tough road trip.

Will be interesting to see how they arrive on a top six in a couple of weeks when he's up to full steam. He really helped that second powerplay unit last night as he's a zone entry guy, and a guy that can distribute the puck without getting anxious.

Hopefully as I said in the story, this isn't a one game adrenalin deal.

Thought the Flames played their best game since the 4-1 Oilers win, and a superior game to either Kings victories, or the New Years Oiler win or Islander loss.

More poise with the puck, better chance generation, and they showed their wheels more.

Good sign.

[Mike F]

Disagree about the Goat - for me it was the powerplay. A strong first chance, as you noted, but then was nothing but a momentum killer the rest of the way.

After being red hot to start the season, it's gone really cold - Around 13% since December 1.

[GioforPM]

Also disagree on the goat. Maybe Ramo could have had it, but all the commentators raved about the play. It's partially a function of the new "H" style the golaies are being taught, which creates space on the short side.

And Hiller couldn't be faulted on either goal he let in IMO.

The PP was the downfall, and really the strong first one was only when one of the units (and not the more skilled one) was on the ice.

[Bingo]

thought Gaudreau had a rough game (he and Monahan actually for different reasons). If he's not feeling it that top unit struggles big time on getting into the zone, and in getting set up.

he coughed up the puck, through it away on dump ins .... probably speaks to how sound the Wings are too.

[Toonage]

Not sure if anyone else noticed this but I thought Monahan was noticeably slower out there. Unsure if he's hurting a bit, but he just seemed a few steps behind the past couple of games.

[GioforPM]

I agree on Johnny. I figured Monahan had his hands full.

[Karl]

Yeah. Seriously disagree with the goats being the goalies. None of those goals were on the net minders. Powerplay was powerless.

Wonder who's going to the pressbox for Friday's game?

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by FlameZilla

Really bad luck. Deserved a point at least.

If Mrazek's helmet doesn't come off do you think they still call off that goal? Pretty harsh call.

Was this in the 3rd? Wasn't there some type of discussion about his helmet on Raymond's goal in the 1st already? I missed this and am just a bit curious.

I conked out in the 3rd and didn't get to finish watching the game. I took some medicine and it knocked me right out.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Will be interesting to see how they arrive on a top six in a couple of weeks when he's up to full steam. He really helped that second powerplay unit last night as he's a zone entry guy, and a guy that can distribute the puck without getting anxious.

Hopefully as I said in the story, this isn't a one game adrenalin deal.

I think we're getting a sneak peek at the top six going forward starting tomorrow night, now that Jooris is on the IR. You may see Jones reclaim a right wing spot, but otherwise I love the possibilities of Monahan in a scoring role between Gaudreau and Hudler, with Backlund in a shut down role between Glencross and Colborne/Jones.

[BloodFetish]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Was this in the 3rd? Wasn't there some type of discussion about his helmet on Raymond's goal in the 1st already? I missed this and am just a bit curious.

I conked out in the 3rd and didn't get to finish watching the game. I took some medicine and it knocked me right out.

Yes.

In the first Mrazek took a puck off the helmet, then Raymond scored on the wraparound soon after. Mrazek complained that his mask was loose and the goal shouldn't have counted.

Late in the third Glencross was pushed into the goaltender and used his forearm to pry Mrazek's mask off. Either accidentally or "accidentally-on-purpose", I don't know.