[GDT] Flames at Capitals *midterm election day*, 5 p.m., SNW

[Cali Panthers Fan]

The last time that "Flames" were introduced to the "Capital".



I know there aren't a lot of Americans or American residents on this site, but for those who are, PLEASE, for the love of god, go vote. Also, try to be somewhat informed before you vote, because a random vote isn't a vote at all. People often get the government they deserve. Ok, moving on…

The Flames had a tough loss against the Caps as they played a solid game, but couldn't break down Barry Trotz's defensive system. My how things have changed since that game. The Caps are in the midst of a 4 game losing streak, allowing 4 or more goals in each game. Another disturbing trend is the blowing of leads, as 6 of the 7 losses this year have come after blowing a lead in the second period. The consensus seems to be that the Capitals are playing a solid game, then have a mental breakdown that leads to a great chance against…and they're all going in. The goaltenders just haven't given them the big save they've needed to recover from the mistake. The Caps can still score, and score in bunches with a GF/G of 3.09, but the miscues, defensive breakdowns, and shoddy goaltending has raised their GA/G to 2.82.

The Flames have taken off after that loss to Washington, playing some of their best hockey of the year. A hard fought and ill-deserved shootout loss to the Canadiens, then a solid win against the Predators, followed by a dominant blow-out win against the same Canadiens team that stole 2 points from the Flames. The Flames have scored 10 goals in the past 2 games, largely due to the play of guys like Gaudreau and Brodie driving the offensive play, but others have joined the party in the last 2 games like Monahan (3 pts) and Glencross (3 pts). Hudler, Granlund, and Jooris have also contributed to the offense. It's a great time for the offense to break out with all the key forwards on the shelf. I think most saw the Flames falling apart with the injuries, but the call ups have been just as good, if not better than the guys they replaced. Experience is still lacking down the middle, but Monahan has really stepped up his play as the #1 center, doing his best to shut down the opposition and add offense. Granlund has looked like a veteran out there and Bouma has done well in his 4th line role. The only struggles have come from Byron, who is much better suited at winger. You have to wonder if they are just waiting for Colborne to return rather than calling up another center. FYI, Colborne is skating with the team on the road trip, meaning his absence may not be for long, even though he is on IR.

The Flames inexperience at center may be exposed tonight with the high powered Caps offense, but hopefully they capitalize (pun intended) on their chances the way other teams have.

*fun fact: Alex Ovechkin's next point will make him the all-time franchise leader in points. He is currently tied with Peter Bondra for 1st.

Flames
Glencross-Monahan-Jones
Gaudreau-Granlund-Hudler
Baertschi-Byron-Jooris
Bollig-Bouma-Setoguchi

Giordano-Brodie
Russell-Wideman
Smid-Engelland

Hiller


Capitals
Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Brouwer
Chimera-Burakovsky-Fehr
Wilson-Latta-Beagle

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Schmidt-Green

Holtby


Go Flames Go!

[Poe969]

great write up....again. I still don't care how the games end as long as Johnny and co. keep playing great.

I will predict a big win that results in Ovi crying after the game.

[Da_Chief]

Any timeline on Ferland's return yet?

Also I'd like to see them switch Glencross and Sven.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Any timeline on Ferland's return yet?

Also I'd like to see them switch Glencross and Sven.

Not gonna happen

[flamesfan55]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Any timeline on Ferland's return yet?

Also I'd like to see them switch Glencross and Sven.

I agree with switching Sven. What's the point in calling him up to play with no finish Byron and Should be in the NHL Setoguchi. The kid gets ripped apart by many on here but how on earth is a offensively gifted player suppose to do anything on an energy line with those two.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

Any timeline on Ferland's return yet?

Last I heard, he's not travelling with the team. So probably when we return home at the earliest.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Not gonna happen

Nor should it... until or unless Baertschi does something.
He was an absolute non factor in the Habs game, while Glencross was really solid.
Would love to see Sven earn it, but...

[tripin_billie]

I voted in DC. Mayoral election is basically what we got this time. However, did get to vote to legalize marijuana!

Now to get through the work day, have a happy hour, and go to the Flames game with super cheap tickets from Stub Hub!

Go Flames Go!

[Machiavelli]

Already at least two home-and-homes against the East; seems more than usual this earlier in the season.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Nor should it... until or unless Baertschi does something.
He was an absolute non factor in the Habs game, while Glencross was really solid.
Would love to see Sven earn it, but...

Nononononononono. You don't get it.

Glencross sucks because he doesn't score a hat trick every night. But Baertschi is awesome because he had five great games as a junior call up three years ago. Therefore, it is not expectations and biases that are faulty, but the coaches.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Already at least two home-and-homes against the East; seems more than usual this earlier in the season.

We've only had two games against the Pacific so far, too. That shoe will drop eventually.

[BlackWallStreet]

Lol I love angry glenny

[the_only_turek_fan]

The Flames are going to win and Mitch McConnell is going to become the next majority leader in the US Senate. It's going to be a good night.

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by BlackWallStreet

Lol I love angry glenny

Scoreface!

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

The Flames are going to win and Mitch McConnell is going to become the next majority leader in the US Senate. It's going to be a good night.

BOOOO!!!

[Finger Cookin]

Can turtles hold that office?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

*fun fact: Alex Ovechkin's next point will make him the all-time franchise leader in points. He is currently tied with Peter Bondra for 1st.

What a craptacular franchise.

[Gaudfather]

New article posted today at One Puck Short blog.

http://onepuckshort.wordpress.com/20...p-for-success/

Here is an excerpt:

Calgary Setting Themselves Up For Success

In Bob Hartley they also have a veteran coach whose ability to ‘connect’ with his roster is perhaps second to none – turning what some considered a ‘rag tag’ bunch in to one of the league’s hardest working outfits.

Hartley won a Stanley Cup with Colorado, but also took Atlanta to it’s first (and only) play-off appearance in 2007 – displaying much of the same tactical ability again, as he draws the best from players like Joe Colborne whilst helping revive the teams fortunes.

The Flames have some way to go – they are after all in the ultra competitive Western Conference battling it out with some of the toughest Divisional rivals possible, including the defending Stanley Cup champions.

But the foundations are, for the most part, in place.

If they continue along this path, it’s hard to believe the club won’t be on the play-off bubble in a year or two. And once you’re in the fight, free agents start to look at clubs differently – opening up the chance to add a little star power to the mix.

Whilst other clubs in ‘rebuild mode’ have endured some very public ups and downs, the Flames have quietly reinvented themselves – so don’t be shocked to see them playing well in to spring again before too long.

[sureLoss]

uhoh

Roger Millions @RogMillions
#Flames Johnny Gaudreau is suffering from the flu and is a game time decision in Washington.

[PeteMoss]

boo.