[GDT] Game 3. Stars @ Flames at 8:57 on CBC

[TheScorpion]

First of all — just wanted to apologize for being overly negative in the Game 2 GT and PGT. Thursday was a frustrating day in many respects, well beyond the game, and some of my posts were over-the-top negative and cynical and even a bit sanctimonious. Thanks to those who called me out on that.

At the end of the day -- I endlessly appreciate that hockey is back and that you all are here to chat about it. That's all that matters... and we're all in this together.

Now, let's move on from Game 2. Gotta move on quickly, especially in a B2B.

The Flames, historically, are pretty darn good in Game 3s. Back in 2015, they won both of em. They came pretty close in 2017. They crucially beat Winnipeg last week in Game 3 to put a stranglehold on that series.

Now, today is the biggest test yet for this core. They have an opportunity to make up for lost ground. They have an opportunity to overcome some serious adversity. Coming off a rough goaltending performance from Talbot, a potential injury to Tkachuk, and less-than-ideal showings from Gaudreau and Giordano, they have a lot to prove. Can they do it? We can hope.

With Tkachuk potentially out of commission, check back here for news regarding a revised lineup. We might see Rinaldo, Robinson, or Quine return to the fold, or Byron Froese make his Flames debut. Who knows?

As for goaltending... it's entirely possible that David Rittich makes his first-ever appearance for the Flames in the playoffs today. I think this could be a secret weapon for the Flames... we've all seen Big Save Dave come roaring out of the gates before in the regular season. This ain't so dissimilar!

Go Flames Go.

[agulati]

Take the lessons learned and move on from game 2. Go Flames go!

[djsFlames]

Yas, midnight game day thread.

Missed that for game two.

[Bonded]

I'll donate 50 bucks to CP if I am wrong but I strongly believe if they lose this one then they are done.

[bigrangy]

Back on the horse

Sending good juju to Gio and Gaudreau, they can’t keep being this aggresively bad. Tonight’s the night they take over!

Go flams

[Manhattanboy]

Hope they can get some sleep tonite cuz I can’t. The anger burns deep.

[Camronius]

Let's make those fans, that find it so easy to jump off the bandwagon, eat some crow. GFG!

[GranteedEV]

First time I've said this all season:

Must Win Game

[DeluxeMoustache]

Yep. Gotta take the good and bad out of the last one, park them, and kick some ass

[fire_starter]

I have to sulk on the game 2 loss till another 830 start?? Boo.

Boys better be fired up and please get more shots on net for once.

[robertsfan]

Color me surprised if they win game 3

[Kidder]

Go Flames Go!

I hope they’ll bounce back with a more complete effort.

My largest concern is how last year’s series with the Avalanche went.

Solid effort to take game 1. Greatly outplayed in game 2, but took it to OT and almost pulled out the second game. Then utterly smoked in game 3.

Maybe one year maturity, a less deadly opponent, and returning to “home” ice along with last change will mean the Flames are capable of stepping up and punching back.

I feel like Principle Skinner after ripping them throughout game 2 and expressing serious doubt.

“Prove me wrong kids. Prove me wrong.”

[Enoch Root]

I am confident the Flames win this one

And I think you go with BSD - not because Talbot was bad but because it's a back to back.

[flamesforcup]

I hope Rittich starts.

[Scary Eloranta]

If you're going to have success in the playoffs, doesn't your top line have to step up and do something at some point?? Feels like the rest of the team is carrying them. Am I wrong?

[AC]

Originally Posted by Scary Eloranta

If you're going to have success in the playoffs, doesn't your top line have to step up and do something at some point?? Feels like the rest of the team is carrying them. Am I wrong?

Of course not, I think everyone would agree with that.

[BarDown]

The Flames need to keep pulverizing the Dallas defense. If they do, and the top players start contributing, they should be able to get back on track.

Our forechecking has been fantastic and has led to a lot of chances. Heiskanen and Klinberg look like they're hearing footsteps already. As the series goes on, this could become a real factor.

For all the things that went wrong last night, the Flames were in a tied game with 30 seconds left. There's a positive to be taken from that. Go flames!

[Poe969]

The most important stat for this game is that its not game 2. Get up, clean yourselves off, rub some dirt on your wounds, get the hell out there and play some good GD hockey.

[Tsawwassen]

Pregame links
http://sportsstats.cbc.ca/hockey/nhl...summary_9.html
http://sportsstats.cbc.ca/hockey/nhl...preview_9.html

The NBC sports link is not ready yet.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

I am going to predict the team that scores the most goals will win tonight. I sincerely want this team to be the ones in the Red Jerseys.