[PGT] Flames beat the Penguins 3-2 in the SO

[keratosis]

The whatever stroking the bird is just wrong.

[Bourque's Twin]

Ferland should be protected in the expansion draft. He's a late bloomer but he shows flashes of brilliance.

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

1. "Soft" first goal - Johnson in his first game with the new form fitting pants, no? That is exactly where it went in, it is an adjustment issue

Agreed.

The Pens broadcasters kept talking about the pants. They kept talking about how they interviewed Fleury and Fleury explained the potential changes and weaknesses such as hugging the post until goalies get used to the pants. Later on, they talked about another gap due to the change in the pads (no "cheater") and they talked about a thigh gap for a few moments.

I almost felt like they were making every excuse possible to defend Johnson on that goal. It was weird but cool listening to the opposing team commentators pretty much defending our goalie on a goal.

[JD]

I don't know why people always feel the need to summarize a player's performance with one adjective.

"Johnson was great!"

"Johnson was not great, didn't have a good game!"

It can be cases of both in the same game. He was solid, calming, and even spectacular for much of the game.

On the other hand, both goals were kind of the leaky variety and I don't think new pants is a real good reason. Don't these guys have practices?

I also thought his glove hand was atrocious all night. Pucks were bouncing out of that trapper on a routine basis. Mostly the defensemen cleared those rebounds but it's concerning and it's ongoing, not just this game.

Elliott on the other hand has other weaknesses. He's so bad when the puck goes behind the net. He just can't seem to track it effectively. If the play stays out in front of him he's pretty good.

For the team in front of these two, it must be hard to adjust because they play differently and have almost opposite tendencies.

I don't love or hate either guy and they have both showed good and bad stretches. Certainly, if the "win and in" strategy continues, we will be just fine if each guy wins 4 before handing the net over to the other guy.

[direwolf]

Classic trap game next Monday with the Coyotes at home. Hopefully the Flames aren't asleep at the wheel to start that game after the long break.

[Bingo]

Game Takes:
http://www.calgarypuck.com/2017/02/g...penguins-2-so/

[Flamefan1]

Originally Posted by Racki

I understand a coach having loyalty to a veteran player but does anyone else have the feeling that Gulutzan is putting the future of his coaching life in the hands of Dennis Wideman?

At some point the madness must end. Put Brodie back on his strong side with a guy that can skate or put Engelland up with him on the second pairing.

Great post. Exactly my thoughts for some time. Gulutzan must see how horrible Wideman is and has been since the beginning of the season. Why in the world is he still playing this albatross. Please give Brodie a chance to play hockey.

[calgaryblood]

I was listening to the fan960 after the game and I was shocked that boomer? Kept repeating that the Pens badly out played us.

I thought it was a pretty even game throughout and the Flames came to play.

[djsFlames]

Yeah I don't know what Steinberg was talking about that the Flames got "schooled". From what I watched on PVR it was a pretty well played road game. Flames still put 30 shots on net, outhit the pens and gave the puck away less.

Pens probably had more zone time but the Flames countered with their transition game quite well. There was less engagement of the D so as to not get caught up ice, which probably contributed to less sustained pressure. But clearly there was a plan involved and it worked for them.

[AC]

Yeah, I see the same argument from the advanced stats guys on Twitter that the Flames were dominated by the Pens.

Don't think that narrative passes the eye-test tonight.

Advanced stats can be pretty useful, but there's still too much focus on those alone I find. Heck, didn't the Bruins just fire their coach despite being #1 in possession stats? Clearly it's not the be-all and end-all.

https://twitter.com/THNMattLarkin/st...60290905739264

[calgaryblood]

Calgary is a top 6 team in possession? Damn had no idea we were that good in that area.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by calgaryblood

I was listening to the fan960 after the game and I was shocked that boomer? Kept repeating that the Pens badly out played us.

I thought it was a pretty even game throughout and the Flames came to play.

Think you mean Steinberg.

And his take is probably based on the advanced stats. Then pens were pretty dominant possession wise. Steinberg is a big advance stat geek(admittedly).

[bigrangy]

The game was fairly even for most of the game but the Pens straight up dominated the second period. After Johnny took that high-sticking penalty the Flames didn't have a single offensive possession for the rest of the period, though they still managed to score two goals on the rush (reminded me a lot of 2014-15). Johnson stole the game and the Flames were very opportunistic.

[GoJetsGo]

Johnson played well to bail us out several times but the same can be said for Murray. That really seemed like a two way street.

I thought quality scoring chances were pretty even with both teams having several good looks.

At the end of the day we got 4 of six points on a tough road trip, and I thought we went toe to toe with two of the better teams in the East and looked solid doing it.

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by AC

Yeah, I see the same argument from the advanced stats guys on Twitter that the Flames were dominated by the Pens.

Don't think that narrative passes the eye-test tonight.

Advanced stats can be pretty useful, but there's still too much focus on those alone I find. Heck, didn't the Bruins just fire their coach despite being #1 in possession stats? Clearly it's not the be-all and end-all.

https://twitter.com/THNMattLarkin/st...60290905739264

1 of the top 8 teams in possession stats is safely in a playoff spot. Doesn't support the importance of having good advanced stats at all....

[Barnet Flame]

Just about to go in to work.

Man I had the strangest dream last night where Ferly stripped the puck off Sid and took it down the ice, and scored on a breakaway.

I can heartily recommend Jim Beam before bedtime.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by AC

Yeah, I see the same argument from the advanced stats guys on Twitter that the Flames were dominated by the Pens.

Don't think that narrative passes the eye-test tonight.

Advanced stats can be pretty useful, but there's still too much focus on those alone I find. Heck, didn't the Bruins just fire their coach despite being #1 in possession stats? Clearly it's not the be-all and end-all.

https://twitter.com/THNMattLarkin/st...60290905739264

IMO the eye test trumps any other system of measurement.. Advanced stats should only be used to back up the former, not disprove or overrule it. That's hogwash.. A large portion of the second period went one way I'll grant them that, but that doesn't take away from the other evenly played 40+, and considering the "non" advanced stats were even across the board.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

Spoiler!

Huge win from the boys. The game was pretty intense near the end when they tied it up. But Johnson was able to shut the door. Too bad we couldn't win on the PP in OT, but Johnson was money in the shootout. Great game from him.




The Pens broadcast was pretty entertaining. Had some homer bits (no more then Hrudey) , but they paid respect to the Flames and in particular Brodie. I really liked their style. And the broadcast quality was topnotch. Great replays, great picture and some awesome stats. Puts the SN broadcast to shame.

Agree completely. Quality broadcast.
Pens announcers also very clear in stating the Pens got a huge break on the goal being waved off.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by TheAlpineOracle

I really hope after the break the Flames pick a goalie and stick with him. Try and get one of these guys on a run. Not a fan of this win and your in approach.

Flames record 4-1 last 5 during win and you're in, with road wins over OTT, NJ, PIT, a tough loss to NYR and a home win over MIN.
These include the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 11th overall teams in League standings.

What exactly are you looking for instead?

[gunnner]

Ferland is playing so well. I have been hoping all year he will get a good look on his off wing with the top line. I think he would clear some space for Johnny and Monahan.

Tkachuk – Backlund – Frolik
Versteeg – Bennett – Brouwer
Gaudreau – Monahan – Ferland
Bouma – Stajan – Hathaway