[PGT] Flames lose 3-2 to Columbus

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

Originally Posted by GoodUncle

This loss should have been so much worse. The Flames are actually lucky the walked away with a 3-2 loss.

To start….whoever is keeping track of stat’s for Backlund isn’t doing there job! In the 3rd period, right around the 7:30 minute mark, he took a shot and missed the net and in looking at his game stat’s from last night it isn’t recorded. However I digress over a single incident. In really looking at Backlund’s performance last night it is interesting.I believe he played in three (3) power plays (50% of the teams PP’s) yet he couldn’t produce. Again in reference to whomever is keeping stats on Backlund, he was credited with an assist on the full 5 on 5 goal in the beginning of the 3rd period right after the PP that he was on but as I recall it watching the game, I remember thinking to myself he was simply floating around uselessly and didn’t even touch the puck. I’ll have to rewatch the play. ADDITIONALLY in the very beginning of the 2nd period he was back on for the PP and managed to get called for offsides! You can’t capitalize with 5 on 4 hockey if you’re going offsides, especially at the NHL level. On top of what I view as wasted player space and time on the ice during PP’s, Backlund had nearly 20 minutes TOI and continually registered no shots on nets, just more wasted time and space. Hartley needs to fix this problem. And by fix, I don’t mean re-work, re-train, re-anything, Backlund is pul to walk away with a 3 to 2 loss. It should have been far worse!

Son, is that you?

Backlund has the same charm with the fanbase - and perhaps the statistician!! as Paul Ranheim had in his days. Lots of moving, running around, involved (although Paul had better wheels) and because of this mistakes get brushed off.

I don't think the average fan realizes how hard it is to drive offense, support/use your line mates to setting up scoring chances. They harp on advanced stats to see zone starts, but can't see tipped passes, shots off the boards, at the crease (not actually meant to score).

Go back to the iginla time, did jarome ever play with a center that was a worse match? Adam Oates-ness can't be taught or found by hard work, it's a skill that you start with.

[wireframe]

I am so glad that the Flames are not tanking.

[shogged]

Originally Posted by kehatch

I actually thought Giordano and Brodie struggled early. Brodie gave up the puck and Gio was in front of the net when the first goal went in. They were both on the PK for goal number two.

They were both really good later and we're a big part of the third period push.

Gio was in the box for goal number 2

[kramer45]

That was the perfect game. Unreal pass by Gio and a sick power move by Jooris for his first NHL goal, a spirited comeback in the 3rd that the boys can feel good about, and most important 2 McDavid points! Here's to the Oilers actually winning some games so they don't get ANOTHER 1st overall.

[Badgers Nose]

Improvement. Only 30 minutes sucked versus 40 minutes the other games.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Envitro

Glencross was horrible again. Am I the only person here that thinks the play dies any time the puck goes near him.

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

He set up Raymond for his tap in

This is one of those types of arguments where I really like fancystats - they see through confirmation bias. Glencross' Corsi for% was third on the team last night - 60% (Stajan was 62%, and Jooris 89%). And this despite Hartley starting his line in the defensive zone most of the night. Backlund, Glencross and Raymond were three guys counted on to get the puck out of our zone and get the offence going, and they generally did that last night. Also, he had a sweet set-up of Raymond's goal.

No complaints at all for me.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

This is one of those types of arguments where I really like fancystats - they see through confirmation bias. Glencross' Corsi for% was third on the team last night - 60% (Stajan was 62%, and Jooris 89%). And this despite Hartley starting his line in the defensive zone most of the night. Backlund, Glencross and Raymond were three guys counted on to get the puck out of our zone and get the offence going, and they generally did that last night. Also, he had a sweet set-up of Raymond's goal.

No complaints at all for me.

He's a top 3 penalty killer on the team, more big hits than anyone else this year, top 5 or so corsi on the team, always see him taking to the rookies, etc, etc. Yet people have this preconceived notion he's a floater, so they see what they will

Edit: And he lead the team with a +2

[flame^thrower]

Originally Posted by Dion

His being sick with the flu in the last week would explain his tiredness.

I agree, plus the Flames have played the most games in a short time so far. I imagine (hope) once they have a few days rest we will see improvements.

[heep223]

I haven't gone through the GT or anything, and I didn't watch the whole game, but boy was Wideman out of position on one goal. Just completely out to lunch for no reason and his guy buries.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Monahan just seems slow. Like not up to game speed. His decision making doesn't seem fast enough right now and he's not going to the prime scoring areas like he was last season a lot of nights.

If you pay attention, he's being used in every situation as a top 2 centre. There are no more sheltered minutes for the kid, Hartley is letting him work without a net.

He'll figure it out - he's never experienced anything like this in his life. And he's had the flu. He's fine.

[killer_carlson]

And Glencross made a great pass in tight on the Raymond goal.

[Racki]

I'm actually a little optimistic about the upcoming homestand for a number of reasons.

1) Starting the season with a long road trip is tough after a difficult training camp.
2) We had 2 sets of back to backs and twice played 3 games in 4 nights in the first 2 weeks of the season.
3) The flu that went through the room had to have an affect on the team especially with the tough schedule.
4) Hartley will be able to utilize Johnny by getting last change.
5) Josh Jooris. I got a feeling an infusion of youth is really going to energize the team. Who's next? Ferland? Sven?

[Da_Chief]

Svennnnn and Furly then Granlund...

[Vinny01]

I am not going to say I want the flames to tank but I really hope they end up with a top 3 pick this year. Games like last night are kind of like "have my cake and eat it to" kinds of games. I thought the Flames showed great character fighting back in the third period of their 3rd game in 4 nights and 5th straight on the road early in the season. Dropping one goal games with the lack of offense on this team will be fine by me for this season.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

I am not going to say I want the flames to tank but I really hope they end up with a top 3 pick this year. Games like last night are kind of like "have my cake and eat it to" kinds of games. I thought the Flames showed great character fighting back in the third period of their 3rd game in 4 nights and 5th straight on the road early in the season. Dropping one goal games with the lack of offense on this team will be fine by me for this season.

I think the Flames are likely to win a handful of these types of games this season. And given the early returns from out of Florida, Buffalo, Edmonton, Carolina and even the Leafs, I'm not terribly confident that the Flames will be drafting top-three next June.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I think the Flames are likely to win a handful of these types of games this season. And given the early returns from out of Florida, Buffalo, Edmonton, Carolina and even the Leafs, I'm not terribly confident that the Flames will be drafting top-three next June.

Injuries (or lack of same) to key players will likely determine our final standings.

[FBI]

Not sure what good uncle is blabbering about but backlund has only been getting better and he is WAY better than ranheim was.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by FBI

Not sure what good uncle is blabbering about but backlund has only been getting better and he is WAY better than ranheim was.

Actually, it was Where ru Chris O'Sullivan who brought up Ranheim. I don't get the comparison either. Ranheim had great speed but couldn't stick handle at speed, losing the puck as a result. Backlund is a fine stick handler and passer as well as a very good skater.

[FBI]

Backlund is also awesome at carrying the puck in the zone whereas ranheim wasn't. Ranheim certainly had awesome speed though.

Jut surprised at backlund bashing after he JUST scored the ot winner lol.

[OzSome]

Am I reading Flames PGT thread? 6 pages and only read one poster saying Glencross was horrible and I don't think I saw any poster saying Wideman suck tonight. Hmmm.. usually you'll see 5 or more posters saying bad things about Glencross or Wideman.

Horrible start for the Flames but they made the game interesting at the end. Good on Jooris for scoring that good goal and that Hudler rush before the end of the 3rd period was awesome. Columbus is not the same a joke of a team anymore. This team is much better than the previous years. I am pretty happy with the Flames so far considering they've been playing on the road 5 games already. The only thing I am not happy about is the amount of penalties they've been getting.