[GDT] Flames vs. Ducks, 7:30 pm, SNW

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Flames: 36-25-5, 77 points, 3rd in the Pacific, 8th in the West, 16th in NHL.

Ducks: 42-19-7, 91 points, 1st in the Pacific, 2nd in the West, 3rd in NHL.


I really don't have a lot of analysis to offer today because I'm too emotionally invested in this one. I really badly want to beat the Ducks. It's becoming almost personal at this point. Despite another very solid game against them last time for 2 periods and getting a lead heading to the 3rd, they imploded like they never do in their best period and gave up 5 goals en route to a 6-3 loss. I'm tired of this Ducks team and I'm tired of losing to them (I know we beat them earlier this year, but it was in a shootout). The Ducks are a team that is not as good as their point totals suggest, and I want us to expose that a little tonight. They've already lost 2 in a row, so it won't be easy, but this team is back home and rested, and hopefully ready to compete.

Jiri Hudler is coming off a week where he was named 1st star in the NHL with 8 points in his last 4 games. Monahan and Gaudreau have been similarly hot, boding well for the top line's attack. Surprisingly, the top players for Anaheim have been cold, as Getzlaf is pointless in his last 4 games and Perry has just 1 point in his last 4.

Roster Notes: Byron is skating, but Smid is not. Shore is doubtful for tonight's game with an undisclosed injury. Both Jooris and Russell had maintenance days and are likely not playing at 100%. Ramo is scheduled to start. Anaheim is still missing Vatanen, but he is traveling with the team and is close to returning. Beleskey, Holzer, and Jackman are all out for tonight and long term. With several players possibly in and out of the lineup, the lineups are not 100%.


Flames
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bouma-Backlund-Jones
Raymond-Colborne-Jooris
Ferland-Stajan-Poirier

Russell-Wideman
Brodie-Engelland
Schlemko-Diaz

Ramo

Ducks
Fleischmann-Getzlaf-Perry
Maroon-Kesler-Palmieri
Cogliano-Rakell-Silfverberg
Sekac-Thompson-Etem

Lindholm-Beauchemin
Fowler-Despres
Stoner-Wisniewski

Andersen



Go Flames Go!!!

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

Surprisingly, the top players for Anaheim have been cold

ugh the same damn opening narrative as last time. Here's hoping for a different closing narrative.

[trublmaker]

so many important points to get now, let's go boys.

[Finger Cookin]

I have a bad feeling about tonight. First game home after a lengthy road trip against a division leader who we can't afford to spot a lead (let alone a four goal lead) heading into the third. I hope my apprehension is misplaced.

[skudr248]

Don't make me regret putting the flag back on my car Flames, let's win tonight!

[getbak]

No third period lead is safe when these two teams are involved.


GFG F the D.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Good lines for the most part, but I'd Rather have Colborne as 2nd RW instead of Jones as he's been cold of late.

At least Ferland and Poirier are in.

[Gaskal]

Battle of the Mads:

Flames (choke away a 1 goal lead at home into the 3rd in epic fashion to Ducks)

vs

Ducks (3 game losing streak and choke away a game to the Canucks)



Flames win!

[nfotiu]

Funny thing about the Ducks is that our goal differential is a fair amount better than theirs. They really aren't nearly as dominant as they seem (or look against us!). They've just racked up a lot of SO wins and loser points. If their game plan is to play to go to OT, we should play along and get our point and take our chances in OT/SO.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by nfotiu

Funny thing about the Ducks is that our goal differential is a fair amount better than theirs. They really aren't nearly as dominant as they seem (or look against us!). They've just racked up a lot of SO wins and loser points. If their game plan is to play to go to OT, we should play along and get our point and take our chances in OT/SO.

Not just the SO/OT wins but they're 26-1-1 in 1 goal games. That is insane.

[Robo]

ducks win get all the lucky bounces in the first 2 periods we start a comeback in the third but fall short

[nfotiu]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Not just the SO/OT wins but they're 26-1-1 in 1 goal games. That is insane.

That reeks of unsustainable more than any corsi number can. Time for us to start the correction!

[ForeverFlameFan]

If Russell isn't 100%, perhaps it'd be best to have a Brodie-Wideman top pairing?

[dissentowner]

It isn't the end of the world if we lose this game, as long as we win against the teams below us going down the stretch we will be fine. Would be nice to get 2 points tonight though. Hell, I would even take a loser point.

[sureLoss]

Wes Gilbertson @SUNGilbertson
#Flames D Kris Russell, C Josh Jooris, C Drew Shore all on ice for morning skate. All missed Tuesday's practice.

[cupraisedn89]

Interesting to see how Ramo performs against the Ducks. Looking forward to this tilt.

GFG!!

[sureLoss]

Roger Millions @RogMillions
#Flames Bob Hartley FYI will be having season ending surgery himself. A nagging problem that goes back six years.

Pretty sure Millions is trying to be clever here, but the way he worded it sounded like Hartley wouldn't be coaching for the rest of the season.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Roger Millions @RogMillions
#Flames Bob Hartley FYI will be having season ending surgery himself. A nagging problem that goes back six years.

Pretty sure Millions is trying to be clever here, but the way he worded it sounded like Hartley wouldn't be coaching for the rest of the season.

That would be worse than losing Gio. Sure it will be after the season is over.

[AcGold]

Skype video session his face on an iPad.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Not just the SO/OT wins but they're 26-1-1 in 1 goal games. That is insane.

That first regulation loss was their last game against Vancouver. Maybe the start of a new trend?