[PGT] 1-1 series. Off to Colorado.

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by flames_fan_down_under

I will add that I think the least concerned people about this loss are the guys in Calgary Flames dressing room. They have shown to be extremely confident about their game and quite resilient.

If this was January I would agree.

No secret things haven’t been right since the break.

[tvp2003]

The frustrating thing for me with Neal is that they put him on PP2 but do little to try and set him up (yes, I realize part of that is on Neal to get open). Instead, he stands in the slot and they don’t pass to him so he basically does nothing to contribute. Really frustrating to watch.

[AC]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

The frustrating thing for me with Neal is that they put him on PP2 but do little to try and set him up (yes, I realize part of that is on Neal to get open). Instead, he stands in the slot and they don’t pass to him so he basically does nothing to contribute. Really frustrating to watch.

I thought Neal was actually quite good on the PP. He made a nice play to get the puck back to Brodie prior to Rasmus' goal, and the goal only happens because Erik Johnson focuses on covering Neal in the slot, allowing Rasmus to be wide open for the tap in.

Neal also made a couple great plays on 50/50 pucks to keep possession. Didn't notice him outside of his early chance 5 on 5 though, which is disappointing.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

The frustrating thing for me with Neal is that they put him on PP2 but do little to try and set him up (yes, I realize part of that is on Neal to get open). Instead, he stands in the slot and they don’t pass to him so he basically does nothing to contribute. Really frustrating to watch.

He’s always played in the slot, tipping pucks, banging in rebounds. He’s never played the Ovechkin/Stamkos role on a power play. At least not recently (VG).

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

I've no opinion on keeping Neal in or taking him out. But if posters are thinking his lack of pace was what stood out last night, I'd disagree. Practically the whole Flames roster was second place to pucks all night; Neal skating faster would not have made things look any different.

They need a better game plan to cope with what the Avalanche brought.

[RogerWilco]

Originally Posted by timbit

Did you watch the Flames play in 1989....round one?

The fact that if Vernon didn't make a glove save on a breakaway in overtime of round 1 we wouldn't even have our one cup still haunts me some times.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by RogerWilco

The fact that if Vernon didn't make a glove save on a breakaway in overtime of round 1 we wouldn't even have our one cup still haunts me some times.

There were multiple extremely close calls on both sides...I recently watched the OT in that game it's absolutely crazy.

[Flash Walken]

Neal blew himself up 3 times last night going for hits that he was a clearly to slow to execute, ended up missing his target completely but got all of the boards.

My issue with Neal is that it's effectively a shorthanded opportunity for the avs everytime Neal is on the ice because he is behind the play, often significantly, 90% of the time.

It really hurts the effectiveness of your line when you can get covered by double coverage with impunity because your linemate isn't even in the same zone as the puck.

I REALLY want Neal to find some success, but he is the worst 5-5 producer on the team this year and the playoffs is not the time to be gifting him icetime to get home going.

I don't mind him being on PP2 but keep his even strength minutes as low as you can. If you cant shelter him effectively without it hurting the other lines, put in someone who doesn't take that much babysitting.

[FireGilbert]

That sucked. Oh well it happens in the playoffs where a team down in the series comes out with their back against the wall and guts out a win based on effort and physicality alone. Despite this is took lucky bounces and a perfect shot from a top 5 player for Colorado to pick up the win.

[MisterJoji]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

Yup the angst is well warranted. Losing a game we should have stolen the way we did could well turn out to be the turning point in the series.

COL has all the momentum and is feeling really good about themselves heading home and no doubt are thinking the way they have played not only can they win this series but they should win.

Flames are no longer the favourites imo.

We win game one 4-0 while playing average. We barely lose game two in OT playing poorly and suddenly this makes the Avs the favorites? They are one line team, who’s line actually showed up last night. Shut down Mackinnon, play average to above average otherwise and we’ll win the remaining games.

[CGY12]

Think its less about the Avs and more about the Flames. The Flames continue to play lacklustre hockey, I find that concerning. In the playoffs every moment is crucial, the Flames have yet to show any desperation/urgency.

The good news is that they are playing a team that really only possess 1 line, so the margin to figure it out seems to be larger, but it doesn't bode well if they have Stanley Cup aspirations if they don't figure it out.

Fingers crossed the young team can figure it out sooner rather than later.

[KipperFaNaTic]

Shoutout to the press level crew chanting "Oilers Suck".

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by CGY12

Think its less about the Avs and more about the Flames. The Flames continue to play lacklustre hockey, I find that concerning. In the playoffs every moment is crucial, the Flames have yet to show any desperation/urgency.

The good news is that they are playing a team that really only possess 1 line, so the margin to figure it out seems to be larger, but it doesn't bode well if they have Stanley Cup aspirations if they don't figure it out.

Fingers crossed the young team can figure it out sooner rather than later.

Need to neutralize their speed and skill however and counter with our own.

[WesternCanadaKing]

This is the best result we could have asked for considering how the Flames played the first two periods. I think their inexperience showed in their effort. That was a regular season mindset while the Avs were in full desperation playoff mode.

Given they were totally embarrassed most of the game, winning anyway wouldn't have been the wake up call they needed. After the Compher goal something seemed to sink in and the Flames owned the play from that moment onward. Keep in mind that the Avs were playing at their top level already. Mackinnon's goal was literally their only shot since Compher scored. Flames racked up at least 12, and many were high danger.

Stealing one would have been a recipe for further complacency. I think we see dominant efforts in Denver, with MacKinnon and Grubauer keeping it closer than it should be for the Avs. There is no next level for their team. They showed everything they have last night.

It will be very possible to wrap this up in 5, but it will likely go to 6 at least. If this goes to game 7 I'm feeling nervous - but I still feel the Flames are in total control of this series.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Neal blew himself up 3 times last night going for hits that he was a clearly to slow to execute, ended up missing his target completely but got all of the boards.

My issue with Neal is that it's effectively a shorthanded opportunity for the avs everytime Neal is on the ice because he is behind the play, often significantly, 90% of the time.

It really hurts the effectiveness of your line when you can get covered by double coverage with impunity because your linemate isn't even in the same zone as the puck.

I REALLY want Neal to find some success, but he is the worst 5-5 producer on the team this year and the playoffs is not the time to be gifting him icetime to get home going.

I don't mind him being on PP2 but keep his even strength minutes as low as you can. If you cant shelter him effectively without it hurting the other lines, put in someone who doesn't take that much babysitting.

So who helps PP2 more, Neal or Czarnik?

I am going to pledge to keep my Neal venting to the off-season, if needed. And really, his impact on the game is far less than that of the players on the top line. That’s where the biggest improvement can come for the games in Denver.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

So who helps PP2 more, Neal or Czarnik?

Neal is better on PP2. But the way Colorado is executing their breakouts right now, I'd be tempted to see if Czarnik's speed can disrupt that.

Really, though, all season I keep coming back to "Mark Jankowski is our weakest link". Neal-Bennett-Czarnik should be our third line.

[malcolmk14]

I think the Flames win game 3 in a nail-biter and then blow the Avs out in game 4.

Sticking to my prediction of Flames in 5.

[Mr.Coffee]

Wouldn’t mind them slotting Dube in to be honest. Think he could help. I’d probably take Jankowski out who is criminally overrated on this site. I’m not even sure Jankowski is an NHL caliber player to be honest. For people to call out Neal? At least he’s thrown the body around a couple times. Jankowski has been the worst forward so far I think.

Monahan has been disappointing but can’t be too upset when he absolutely dominates the face off circle and has a goal. I’m critical of him though only because I see Johnny working his bag off and it seems like Monahans urgency isn’t there. He’s never been a super tenacious player- it just isn’t in his DNA- but would it kill him to mix it up in the playoffs here? Throw a punch push people get angry. He’s not a small guy. Those scrums in front of the net after the whistle, he leaves me wanting more in those types of situations.

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

Wouldn’t mind them slotting Dube in to be honest. Think he could help. I’d probably take Jankowski out who is criminally overrated on this site. I’m not even sure Jankowski is an NHL caliber player to be honest. For people to call out Neal? At least he’s thrown the body around a couple times. Jankowski has been the worst forward so far I think.

Janko is on our top PK unit with Lindholm, which hasn't given up a shorthanded goal in this series. He was also second in the league in shorthanded goals. Not saying he's been dominant 5-on-5 (because he hasn't been), but no, he does not belong in the AHL.


Dube is a black ace right now, and depth if there are injuries up front. If you're looking to add speed, Czarnik is your guy. Besides, Game 3 in a 1-1 series is not the time to throw in guys like Dube and Valimaki IMO.

[Corral]

Haven't read the whole thread, but from puck drop it was pretty obvious Nathan MacKinnon was likely going to win last night's game on his own. Flames will answer tomorrow.