[GDT] Flames vs. Le Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge, 7 p.m., SNF

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Hey, I found visual evidence that David Jones not only plays for the Flames, but made a positive contribution!







I'm really wishing we weren't the back end of the Alberta trip for road teams. For some reason, good teams keep losing to the Edmonton Oilers, they feel embarrassed, and then they want to take it out on us. Last night the Canadiens were shutout by one of the worst defensive teams in the league. If they don't score 4 or 5 tonight I'll be surprised. Interestingly, while the Canadiens have the best record in the league (tied with Anaheim), they've some how done it by scoring less than they are scored against. GFA is 2.56 (just .06 ahead of the Flames fairly weak offense), and their GAA is 2.78 (the Flames compare at 2.20). Their 5 on 5 GF/GA ratio is in the bottom 10 at 0.94. PP% is 23rd at just over 11%. PK is top 10 at over 86%. They are middle of the pack in shots for and shots against. Even the goaltending has been average, with both goaltenders having a sub .915 save %. How are they winning so much? Perhaps someone who is more familiar with advanced stats can make a cohesive argument. I just don't get it and I think the Habs are going to fall back to the middle of the pack soon.

The Flames were stymied by Barry Trotz suffocating defensive system implemented by…The Washington Capitals? Of all teams. Still, credit being given to the Caps, the Flames weren't quite at the top of their game in that one. Given a few days to step away from the game, get some rest, and refocus should give the Flames the energy advantage over the Habs who are playing back to back games on the road. Some new energy returns to the lineup in the form of David Jones, who has been out with a lower body injury for several weeks. If nothing else, Jones bring size and the ability to play the body and score the odd goal, although it may take him a couple games to get back into the swing of things. The unfortunate thing is a roster decision needs to be made to allow him to join the team, meaning that a player like Josh Jooris (or god forbid Johnny Gaudreau) will be sent down to Adirondack to allow it. It's possible a player like Setoguchi is waived, but I don't know how management feels about his situation, so often the easier decision is to send down a player that you won't lose to waivers, unfortunate as it is. Regardless of the decision, I would like to see CP NOT explode and claim the sky is falling.

It should be an entertaining game tonight, and one that the Flames can win if they play a sound game. Lineups are 100% guesses with roster moves to come today. Raymond is not likely to play, and Byron was ill yesterday. SureLoss, we're all counting on you!

Flames
Hudler-Monahan-Colborne
Gaudreau-Backlund-Setoguchi Byron
Glencross-Stajan-Jones
Bollig-Bouma-McGrattan Jooris

Giordano-Brodie
Russell-Wideman
Smid-Engelland

Hiller


Canadiens
Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher
Parenteau-Plekanec-Galchenyuk
Weise-Eller-Bourque
Moen-Malhotra-Prust

Emelin-Subban
Gilbert-Markov
Weaver-Beaulieu

Price


Go Flames Go!

[JonDuke]

It's always a great day when I get to pull this fella out.
GO FLAMES GO!

[Gaskal]

Second time this season we get a pissed off Eastern Conference team after losing to the Oilers.../sigh

[Beer-gut Murray]

As per Fan 960, Dennis Widedawg Wideman will tie a team record today should he score tonight. Most consecutive goals by a defenceman is held by Mr Gary Suter at 5. Al MacInnis had 4.

[DownhillGoat]

Came for a Heritage Classic picture. Left satisfied.

[bubbsy]

another team embarrassed to lose to the oilers the night before, come into town angry and hungry for the win.

Don't think the flames win tonight, but would like it if they score some goals.

[FlameZilla]

Bork Bork Bork

[_Q_]

I really hope we win tonight. I hate the Habs more than anything else.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

Regardless of the decision, I would like to see CP NOT explode and claim the sky is falling.

[Vinny01]

I get the feeling this will be the 3rd straight eastern team to come in and beat the flames after losing to the oilers (flames played the canes first iirc).

[RyZ]

Habs Fans = Riders Fans

Go Flames Go

[Yoho]

Start Grats!

[Funkhouser]

When was the last time that the Habs beat us at the Saddledome? I suspect we keep the streak alive and eek-out a 3-2 win (Johnny, Jones and Monahan score)

[dissentowner]

Love pic #4 which shows Rene Bourque doing what he does best, sleeping.

[Street Pharmacist]

All 6 players in pic #4 are ex-flames: Stempniak, B Jones, Smith, Berra, Bourque, Prust


Edit: NM, that's Backlund, not Jones

[Yrebmi]

I don't buy the pissed off cuz they lost to the losers angle. We are playing the back half of a road team back to back night. That is an advantage for Flames.

Montreal had the backup tender in last night, so I suspect we will face Price.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

All 6 players in pic #4 are ex-flames: Stempniak, B Jones, Smith, Berra, Bourque, Prust


Edit: NM, that's Backlund, not Jones

And Smid, not Smith.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Yrebmi

I don't buy the pissed off cuz they lost to the losers angle. We are playing the back half of a road team back to back night. That is an advantage for Flames.

Montreal had the backup tender in last night, so I suspect we will face Price.

Only a slight advantage. The team on the second night of a back to back often doesn't have much worse of a record on the second night

[JohnnyT]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Only a slight advantage. The team on the second night of a back to back often doesn't have much worse of a record on the second night

Especially when they're starting one of the best, if not the best, goalie in the league on the second half

[MrMastodonFarm]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

All 6 players in pic #4 are ex-flames: Stempniak, B Jones, Smith, Berra, Bourque, Prust


Edit: NM, that's Backlund, not Jones

Mark that down as 4/6 as #3 in that pic is Smid, still currently a Flame.