[PGT] Flames 1 Sharks 4

[bigrangy]

I mean this more as a point of humour and not a scathing criticism but in Bouma's roughly 8 minutes of 5v5 ice time last night, the Flames did not register a single shot attempt.

I think the Flames offense last night was about as good as they usually are this season. They really struggle to get to the inside and generate high danger chances. It seemed like the team was just waiting for Gaudreau magic to happen, and while he had a few A+ chances, it wasn't enough. Other lines really need to get to the net much more, and I think that this is the biggest criticism that you can levy against the Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik line this year. They can cycle for days and are very effective at keeping the puck in the opposition end, but they rarely get inside the defenders for a good chance.

The defence however, was much more porous than usual, especially on the two Donskoi goals. These Flames can play pretty good shutdown hockey but their puck management and defensive hustle was just not good enough last night. Way too many failed zone exits and way too many turnovers at the offensive blue line. Picks in deep is a bad cliche but it works.

[Bear]

Just to cheer everyone up...

The Flames are now tied for 30th in shots per game.

They fair a little better in shot attempts, coming in at 19th.

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by Bear

Just to cheer everyone up...

The Flames are now tied for 30th in shots per game.

They fair a little better in shot attempts, coming in at 19th.

Aren't they also the most penalized team in the NHL? Tough to generate shots when you're on the PK as much as they are. Not that I'm trying to make excuses for them, as 30th is clearly unacceptable. But the penalties definitely play a factor.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by direwolf

Aren't they also the most penalized team in the NHL? Tough to generate shots when you're on the PK as much as they are. Not that I'm trying to make excuses for them, as 30th is clearly unacceptable. But the penalties definitely play a factor.

I thought Winnipeg still held the "most penalized" banner.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I thought Winnipeg still held the "most penalized" banner.

The Flames have been shorthanded 131 times this season. Winnipeg is second at 125.

Overall, the Flames have been penalized 179 total times (Anaheim is second at 159), 155 of which have been minors (Winnipeg is second at 134 minors).

[thymebalm]

Not too hurt by the loss. Had it pencilled in as an L considering the team, and second of a back-to-back etc.

I would love to see a snake for PIMS/60 that starts last year to show / not show the Wideman effect.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by getbak

The Flames have been shorthanded 131 times this season. Winnipeg is second at 125.

Overall, the Flames have been penalized 179 total times (Anaheim is second at 159), 155 of which have been minors (Winnipeg is second at 134 minors).

Flames win!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

I hope all of you defending Wideman yesterday are hanging your heads in shame today. What a goof.

What are you referring to?

Wideman made a couple mistakes (probably as few or less than any other defenceman), otherwise was fine. The giveaway by an ill-advised cross ice pass wasn't horrible, just a mistake, and didn't result in anything. He missed a check in a play where the puck should have been out, where the whole line was scrambling around. I thought he created as much offence as any defenceman.

[Bear]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

What are you referring to?

Wideman made a couple mistakes (probably as few or less than any other defenceman), otherwise was fine. The giveaway by an ill-advised cross ice pass wasn't horrible, just a mistake, and didn't result in anything. He missed a check in a play where the puck should have been out, where the whole line was scrambling around. I thought he created as much offence as any defenceman.

Obviously not the full story but Wideman (and Brodie) were a plus 3 shot differential last night.

Kevin was a minus 12. Bouma a minus 13.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Bear

Obviously not the full story but Wideman (and Brodie) were a plus 3 shot differential last night.

Kevin was a minus 12. Bouma a minus 13.

I thought Kevin had a rough night. He and Engelland got caught on some long shifts IMO.

I didn't have the issues with Bouna some did. But Hathaway seems to be as effective and more of an energy guy, for a lot less.

[Galakanokis]

I think Jokipakka has struggled for a number of games now and needs to sit out. Him and Engelland were not on the same page last night that is for sure. A few shifts were they dumped it to unoccupied corners that prolonged shifts.

Hathaway has to get back in, really no reason to sit other than he's sore, banged up a little. Problem is players need to play games to get back into game shape and Bouma is far from that, he has no flow out there. Not many others deserving of sitting out however.

[GioforPM]

The difficulty with Engelland and Jokipaaka is that neither are great passers and tend to ring it to coverage.

[Erick Estrada]

In the eyes of the coaches Wotherspoon must be pretty bad if he can't get in the lineup over a clearly struggling Jokipakka.

[stone hands]

kulak should probably have been playing in kevins spot since wideman has manned up

and ya bouma is pretty hurtin now that the flames d strategy isn't "put your face in front of pucks"

[northcrunk]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

What are you referring to?

Wideman made a couple mistakes (probably as few or less than any other defenceman), otherwise was fine. The giveaway by an ill-advised cross ice pass wasn't horrible, just a mistake, and didn't result in anything. He missed a check in a play where the puck should have been out, where the whole line was scrambling around. I thought he created as much offence as any defenceman.

One goal was a direct result of him coming out of position to make a hit and then loggy gagging back on coverage while his assignment walks right into the slot and scores.

[Calgary4LIfe]

People see what they want to see with players they dislike. One mistake is remembered for years. A player that is well liked? You don't remember the bad, just the 'awesomeness' that they were.

Whipping boys take a long time to break out of their whipping boy status. I think Wideman helps this team way more than he hurts it. He is making smart pinches, is back to being defensively responsible, and is really as steady as they come these days.

Steady may not break him out of his whipping boy status though. He basically has to return to 2 seasons ago where he put up loads of points, or 3 seasons ago where he was playing 27 minutes a game and doing a good job at it.

I am at least happy that he is playing much better and consistently. I do think he will command a nice return at the deadline.

[belsarius]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

People see what they want to see with players they dislike. One mistake is remembered for years. A player that is well liked? You don't remember the bad, just the 'awesomeness' that they were.

Whipping boys take a long time to break out of their whipping boy status. I think Wideman helps this team way more than he hurts it. He is making smart pinches, is back to being defensively responsible, and is really as steady as they come these days.

Steady may not break him out of his whipping boy status though. He basically has to return to 2 seasons ago where he put up loads of points, or 3 seasons ago where he was playing 27 minutes a game and doing a good job at it.

I am at least happy that he is playing much better and consistently. I do think he will command a nice return at the deadline.

Yeah I think some people are going to be surprised at what he could command at the deadline. PP QB with a hard shot and years of experience will be very helpful to many teams heading to the playoffs. Special teams win series and Wideman could be a game changer when used in a specialty role. I would guess the same kind of return, or better than we got for Russell.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by belsarius

Yeah I think some people are going to be surprised at what he could command at the deadline. PP QB with a hard shot and years of experience will be very helpful to many teams heading to the playoffs. Special teams win series and Wideman could be a game changer when used in a specialty role. I would guess the same kind of return, or better than we got for Russell.

I really hope you're right. But the same or better return than Russell, for a guy who is paid more and has been healthy scratched? Not likely.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by northcrunk

One goal was a direct result of him coming out of position to make a hit and then loggy gagging back on coverage while his assignment walks right into the slot and scores.

Actually, that goal was a result of Backlund having control, and giving it away. Wideman did miss a hit, but in no way, shape or form did he lolligag back. Was he behind the guy? Yes, because se he's not as fast.

That said, one goal was a direct result of Hamilton giving up the puck at the left boards. One goal was a result of Johnson not covering the puck and not getting back into net. Etc. Etc.