[GDT] Flames @ Avalanche 7:00pm MT SNW and the Fan 960

[Rick M.]

If we beat the Avs, I think we’ll go on a tear.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

If we beat the Avs, I think we’ll go on a tear.

I do feel that beating them could be a turning point in the team getting their confidence back. We have seen some positive signs of late since the coaching change but against beatable opposition. This is a more of a true test.

[Flames0910]

Hard to believe, but a win tonight would bump the boys up to 3rd in the Pacific!

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

If we beat the Avs, I think we’ll go on a tear.

If we lose to the Avs, I will shed a tear.

[Johnny Makarov]

If Lucic punches Zadarov in the face again, i'll count that as a goal even if he doesn't score.

[GioforPM]

I think this is the toughest game of the year. The Flames need maximum effort.

[bubbsy]

There's no denying that the team appears to be trending positively over the past half dozen games or so.

Getting a win tonight would be such a positive and solidifying moment for the team and its fans.

[MrMike]

Av's are 8-2 in their last ten games, definitely one of the top 4 teams in the league this year. Even if we lose, I just want to see we can keep up with their speed, be a close game, and for once not be outshot by 20 in the first period against them.

[CroFlames]

How they play is just as important as if they win. If they scratch and claw and walk away with an L, that will be acceptable.

If they go quietly into the night then major question marks still surround the team regarding their mental toughness.

They need to slay this dragon, win or lose. Can't let the Avs live in their heads anymore.

Looch probably needs a two game break anyway; him attacking Zadorov would get the team going.

[jlh2640]

Boy I would really like to see us make a statement win, just dont think it is in the cards for us

[direwolf]

This game frightens me. Avs are really good, and I'm guessing they'll likely win the west this year.

Flames need to bring their A game right out of the gate and put in a full 60 minutes if they want a chance in this one. Can't afford to spot these guys an early lead. And even if that does happen, they need to push right back and make a game of it. Just please don't let it snowball like they usually do against the Avs.

[IliketoPuck]

Pretty sure Zadorov is still dealing with or just recently came back from dealing with a broken jaw. Unlikely he wants anything to do with Lucic tonight.

I've got a good feeling about the game tonight. Flames have been playing quite a bit better lately, and appear to be enjoying themselves. Our goal tending had been solid, and Johnny has looked way more dangerous the last few, which bodes well.

If we can stay out of the penalty box, I like our chances.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

A win tonight would be huge. They really need to slay this demon before they can move forward.

This.

There have been lots of positive signs of late, and I think they've turned the corner regardless - the fact that they're having fun again is key for me - but the Avs are definitely a demon, and one of the primary sources of their funk. Beating these ####ers would be a HUGE confidence boost for the boys.

[Hockey-and_stuff]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

How they play is just as important as if they win. If they scratch and claw and walk away with an L, that will be acceptable.

If they go quietly into the night then major question marks still surround the team regarding their mental toughness.

They need to slay this dragon, win or lose. Can't let the Avs live in their heads anymore.

Looch probably needs a two game break anyway; him attacking Zadorov would get the team going.

I don't think Lucic has to get himself suspended but it should be a goal tonight to do something to Zadorov that gets his focus on Lucic/Rinaldo and not Gaudreau.

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[sureLoss]

Kadri in no contact jersey at Avs morning skate. No Makar, Dater reporting he is hurt and might miss some time.

Grubauer looks like he is good to go.

[keenan87]

I wonder if they go back to Rittich for tonight or keep Talbot...two tough games on this back-to-back.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by MrMike

Av's are 8-2 in their last ten games, definitely one of the top 4 teams in the league this year. Even if we lose, I just want to see we can keep up with their speed, be a close game, and for once not be outshot by 20 in the first period against them.

That happened already last month, when the Flames outshot Colorado 13–7 in the first period and yet found themselves down 2–0.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I wonder if they go back to Rittich for tonight or keep Talbot...two tough games on this back-to-back.

If it were up to me, it would be Rittich tonight, and Talbot against the low-scoring desert dogs

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

If it were up to me, it would be Rittich tonight, and Talbot against the low-scoring desert dogs

I agree. Rittich is clearly better. Talbot was pretty good last game but IMO he's a level below. I think he has more rebounds, and is more susceptible to long screened shots. Rittich is better at fighting through that stuff.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by direwolf

This game frightens me. Avs are really good, and I'm guessing they'll likely win the west this year.

Flames need to bring their A game right out of the gate and put in a full 60 minutes if they want a chance in this one. Can't afford to spot these guys an early lead. And even if that does happen, they need to push right back and make a game of it. Just please don't let it snowball like they usually do against the Avs.

The Flames have not yet beaten them this year, but they have played pretty well against Colorado in their last two games. They kept pace with them in the season opener, and lost a one-goal game on the road in one of the NHL's toughest buildings that was sealed with an ENG. They lost another close one-goal game at the Saddledome in which Colorado scored the first two goals.

Getting a win tonight would definitely go a long way to pulling the Flames back to the level they need to be playing, and I tend to think there is some reason for a little optimism going into the game: the Flames have been competitive in their previous two while amid stretches of considerable difficulty. Now that they are playing some of their best hockey of the season, it seems like a good bet they can win this.