WOW what an exciting game. This my first game at the dome in over 2 years, so here are my thoughts:
-Cervenka was might impressive tonight. He looks to be a little small against the other players, and took an unnoticed elbow to the head in the 1st period. But man this has got mad skill. Anyone know if he was drafted, or what his history was prior to the KHL? Imagine the Flames drafted this guy when he was 20. Our #1 center problem would be gone. I'm not saying he is that guy, but him and Hudler are just amazing together.
-Iggy played with fire and that fight really seemed to ignite him. He was involved in a lot of plays and dangled his way a couple times. His stick handling compared to the last couple years is night and day difference. He may play along the perimeter, but at least he is somewhat 'evolving' his game. I'm glad to see him not putting the team on his back, so to speak.
-Irving fought the puck like crazy. That 3rd goal was just terrible and you could feel it in the crowd. Lots and lots of rebounds. The thing I was able to noticed most about him watching live was that he doens't fight to see thru screens like Kipper does. He looked like he was guessing a lot where the puck would go. If it wasn't for Dallas' lack of finish, it could easily have been 8-7. I hope the fans appreciate what Kipper has done for us the last decade. Kipper is so refined and steady. Irving has talent, but it is very 'raw'. I think with time he can refine his technique to fit the NHL pace, but he's not there yet. Still, a win is a win. He made an absolutely spectacular save in the 1st that could have easily gone in. But I honestly can't wait for Kipper to be back.
-Jaybo played great. Some very nice pinches and could have scored 2 goals. He's a great skater watching him live.
-Wideman continues to impress, and I'm really really glad he's making the Flames critics eat crow right now. He makes some great outlet passes from his own zone. His passing reminds me a lot of Chris Pronger. Able to nail passes tape to tape from his own end. I have yet to see any real defensive lapses the so-called critics warned us about. He's playing like a #1 dman right now. Great addition from the management team.
-Tanguay...man oh man. That guy is the definition of high frustration/high reward. The whole arena was yelling at him to shoot! everytime he got in the slot. But you just knew he would pass. The Stars knew it. However, next thing you know he as 3 assists and probably could have had 5. Solid passer, but he coasted the most out of every player. Yet, once he gets the puck he always makes the good play. Even with him getting rid of the puck every chance, I didn't see as many turnovers as I had in the past from him.
-Sarich is slow.
-4th line played with a lot of grit and really provided the only physicality the Flames had. One thing I noticed was the front of the next remains unimpeded in the Flames end. Most of the Stars goals were guy coming from behind the next and passing out front. I miss the days of Regehr, Phaneuf et al ruining people's spines when out front.
-It was my first time ever seeing Jagr live. It's weird as hell to see him in a Stars uniform, but you could tell he still has a ton of talent, and protects the puck well with his trademark ass in your face. Although he is pretty slow, he protected the puck well along the wall.
Overall an absolutely GREAT game to be a part of and see. End to end action, and lots of it. It had its scary moments, but I will take fire-wagon/porous defence hockey over boring Sutter hockey 10 times outta 10. Every fan in the building got their money's worth.
