[PGT] 1-1 series. Off to Colorado.

[Strange Brew]

Rasmus put Brodie in a bad spot but when you’re last man back, you can’t let the opponent by you like that. It’s defenseman 101. But I think the bump back giveaway was worse.

There is a lot to like about Brodie’s game and take away the gaffes he was pretty good. It’s maybe just mental discipline IDK but those are killers in the playoffs.

Flames were lucky it was as close as it was. But also after Monahan’s fortunate goal, they played their best hockey but still gave up 2 goals.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

For all the talk of the Avs top line getting burnt out I can’t help but wonder about Backlund. Played 23 mins again and had a rough night. -3 and got dominated by MacKinnon all night.

[browna]

Originally Posted by 868904

No one was going to catch Mackinnion, it didn’t matter if Backlund was even with him at the redline.

It was a terrible decision to let him go. In that next 10 feet McKinnon wasn't going to break that far ahead of Backlund, and even if Backlund was a step behind, likely the player that passed it to McKinnon may not even give him the pass, as Backund gets his stick in there.

Instead, Backlund gives that guy an easy pass target in a wide open and unhassled McKinnon, and Backlund has left the far side defenseman to have to suddenly pivot and come across and deal with and cut off McKinnon from driving even further in.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by 2macinnis2

I get it, he’s awesome. But one non-goalie shouldn’t win a playoff series against a very good deep team.

The coaches can stand around and watch their team get beaten by a great player, like Crawford in Van did in 04. But this series probably hinges on Peters finding some formula to take away their best player.

This. Every time a team plays Pittsburgh or Tampa or even Edmonton the opponent likely has the best player on the ice. It’s a matter of playing them well. And Calgary has skill players that need to push through the Avs doing the same thing.

The way I see it the Avs played their best and Calgary didn’t and the Avs won (barely). The OT went how the talent should dictate right up until the goal. So Calgary will still likely win IMO. My biggest concern is wasting a great Smith performance.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

This. Every time a team plays Pittsburgh or Tampa or even Edmonton the opponent likely has the best player on the ice. It’s a matter of playing them well. And Calgary has skill players that need to push through the Avs doing the same thing.

The way I see it the Avs played their best and Calgary didn’t and the Avs won (barely). The OT went how the talent should dictate right up until the goal. So Calgary will still likely win IMO. My biggest concern is wasting a great Smith performance.

That is a bit disappointing for sure. If you would have told me before the series it would be tied 1-1 going back to Denver I would have guessed maybe Smith wasn't at his best but he's played his two best games of the season and the series is still tied. Just goes to show you need more than just a hot goaltender. I think they can play a lot better and I think they will on the road.

[heep223]

Weird game. I didn’t think the flames got dominated but they were definitely the second best team. High danger scoring chances were 8-6 Avs. The flames did dominate in OT however.

Not too concerned tbh. They didn’t seem very engaged which was the weird part for me. A lot of drive by stick checks.

[Yoho]

When does Czarnik slot in for Neal?

We need speed in the line up not looping skate arounds.

[Toonage]

Speed and energy were lacking last night, until they needed it most. OT was great so far as effort went but this game shouldn't have looked like it did or go as late as it did.

Do they put Czarnik in for Neal? Kid has speed and jam. A nose for the net. Valimaki for Fantenberg?

Tomorrow will be very telling.

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Do they put Czarnik in for Neal? Kid has speed and jam. A nose for the net.

I'd be perfectly ok with this move. Neal has been basically invisible so far, and just looks so slow out there.

[agulati]

Brodie appeared to have a few gaffes throughout the night. I'm not sure if it was nerves or something else. I hope the coaching staff is able to sit down with him and ask him to simplify his game slightly.

[CrazyCaper]

Originally Posted by RM14

What row? I'm in 218 and the people behind us keep saying sit down, even though everyone in front of us is standing.

Row 21. Had a great bunch in our section. Fun and really engaged.

[Kipper_3434]

Valimaki in for Fatenburg please. Not that fats has been bad but Valimaki is awesome

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Yoho

When does Czarnik slot in for Neal?

We need speed in the line up not looping skate arounds.

I’ve been thinking about this too. Not likely to happen I imagine but since Neal doesn’t kill penalties, he’s the likely candidate to come out.

[soulchoice]

Originally Posted by Toonage

Speed and energy were lacking last night, until they needed it most. OT was great so far as effort went but this game shouldn't have looked like it did or go as late as it did.

Do they put Czarnik in for Neal? Kid has speed and jam. A nose for the net. Valimaki for Fantenberg?

Tomorrow will be very telling.

All year I’ve been wanting to give Neal the benefit of the doubt due to his leadership and experience. Had a slight glimpse of hope towards the end of the season. However after these first two games, he has been useless. I’m starting to approach Brower apathy towards him. If you’re not scoring at least move your legs, cycle and be aggressive. Especially with your size.

He gets far too much ice time for the return with respect to results and impact for the team.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Peters doesn’t seem like the type of coach to overreact and go with massive line up changes but I’d be ok with any or all of Neal, Brodie and Fanta sitting for a game. Dube/Czar, Valimaki and Kyington could see some ice time.

More likely I think we see only minor or no lineup changes.

[Reign of Fire]

To me, it seemed like both Johnny and Tkachuk were fighting the puck, while their best players were on their game. That and, Brodie made me cringe a few times. Hopefully, they can fix all this and have a good game in Game 3.

[Duffalufagus]

Originally Posted by heep223

Weird game. I didn’t think the flames got dominated but they were definitely the second best team. High danger scoring chances were 8-6 Avs. The flames did dominate in OT however.

Not too concerned tbh. They didn’t seem very engaged which was the weird part for me. A lot of drive by stick checks.

They absolutely got dominated. It was ugly.

[bubbsy]

I realize that the series is tied, but I feel that the avs likely feeling way better about their situation than the flames going in game 3 in Colorado.

The avs came through with a game plan and have successfully executed it. Flames have been on their heels, way too conservative, playing like it's a pk.

Flames special teams and smith have been the only reason the game was even close.

I don't doubt the flames will be better, but i also think the avs will have another level at home, not to mention getting Mackinnon more favourable match ups with the last change.

The flames top players have been outclassed and outplayed by the avs top players. This series will be a lot closer and potentially an upset if the gap between the 2 remains this wide.

[Duffalufagus]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

I realize that the series is tied, but I feel that the avs likely feeling way better about their situation than the flames going in game 3 in Colorado.

The avs came through with a game plan and have successfully executed it. Flames have been on their heels, way too conservative, playing like it's a pk.

Flames special teams and smith have been the only reason the game was even close.

I don't doubt the flames will be better, but i also think the avs will have another level at home, not to mention getting Mackinnon more favourable match ups with the last change.

The flames top players have been outclassed and outplayed by the avs top players. This series will be a lot closer and potentially an upset if the gap between the 2 remains this wide.

This. All of this.

[Strange Brew]

I want to keep Fantenberg in next game. On the road I prefer the veteran as he will get a heavy dose of the top line.

I wish they had handled Valimaki differently down the stretch and brought him up about a month earlier. As it is, I don’t think he draws in.