There were 10 penalties called in the TB/FLO Game 1 (one was a double minor), only 4 penalties in the COL/STL Game 1. So hard to say if the penalty parade that began round 1 will continue at the start of round 2; obviously the Flames need to stay out of the box as the Flames have the edge 5-on-5.
I didn't watch Game 7 of the EDM/LA series but that was four days ago so we'll see if Draisaitl is still hobbling. At worst he can still shoot one timers on the PP, but if he does have an ongoing injury it leaves them with one line that will likely get heavy minutes.
Both teams had to endure a seven game series but I think Calgary will enter more battle tested. Edmonton had to deal with LA's trap but Calgary will be a much different opponent. Meanwhile, Calgary will probably find much more room out there as Dallas plays much more disciplined in the d-zone.
And of course goaltending. I predict there will be at least one blowout, one high scoring game, and one low scoring game this series. However, I'm confident Smith will not be able to replicate what Oettinger just did.
Hoping for a good series. Hoping we see a Mike Smith meltdown or two. Hoping we beat them on the scoreboard before we beat them in the alley. Except for Draisaitl -- hit that ****sucker all game long and regardless of what the score is.
GFG!
Considering it's The Battle of Alberta, and the hype around that, I suspect they will be calling everything in game 1, to try and keep things under control.
Here are my 10 things the Flames should do to win this series.
1. Start on time and bring the physicality early, especially against Draisaitl. The guy is hurting and can barely skate, hit him early and often with hard clean checks. If we can take him out of the series early that just leaves McDingus as the real big threat.
2. When McDavid is on the ice one of Backlund or Lindholm should be as well when possible. Make his life hell, take your hits against him, double team him at times, make the rest of the Oilers try and beat us.
3. Get a lot of traffic in front of Mike Smith. Everybody should be chirping at him all the time because he is a hot head. He will make stupid decisions but he will make even more when he is losing his crap. I actually think Koskinen will be there go to guy by game 3.
4. Get in Evander Kane's face. Another hot head who will make dumb decisions, stay disciplined and don't retaliate when he loses his mind.
5. Zach Kassian. See post 4.
6. Play their game and don't get caught up in the media circus BOA crap. If they keep their composure they should roll over this Oilers team quite easily.
7. Try and stay out of the box. Unfortunately the Oilers are going to get their looks on the PP no matter how disciplined the Flames play because game management. Just don't take dumb penalties that are legit dumb penalties.
8. Throw everything at the net. Don't look for the cute perfect play or pass, this is Mike Smith in net we are talking about here. He has an uncanny ability to make great saves on high danger shots but let in far away weak softies.
9. Have fun. Enjoy playing in the series. Feed of the loud Saddledome crowds.
10. Win baby! Just win! GFG.
Regarding the bold...
First, I agree, they will be wanting to get into his head, as he is a ticking time bomb.
But as far as trying to beat him goes, I don't think the usual, 'bodies in front, shoot from everywhere' strategy is at all the way to go. That is actually where he is at his best.
Smith struggles with lateral movement, and with long shots
I'm excited for this game, but also very nervous. I have no idea what game this will turn out to be. It can be anywhere from a blow out to a defensive triple OT game. You just never know when these two teams play what to expect.
Here's hoping Flames can get to Smith early and chase him out of the net.
Nah I want the Flames to get 3 goals and win. Keep Smith in there so he can fail later in the series.
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A bit nervous for this one, but also very excited. Taking off my E=NG glasses, because ultimately the Flames can't afford to take the Oilers lightly.
Like it or not, McDavid is going to go into cheat mode at some point and have a stretch of dominance. 2 PPG is pretty insane in the playoffs, even if it was against a weaker LA team. Can't say he's a playoff choker anymore, as he's taken his game to the next level. Smith will be motivated against his old team, but hopefully it will also be his undoing as well. And I have a feeling that either Kane or Kassian is going to do something extremely borderline stupid/dangerous that might throw the Flames off their game.
Flames do have the superiour depth, goaltending, D and G, so on paper it should be a Flames win. But this series will be the equivalent of the Oilers cup final for their fanbase, so Flames will have to weather the storm and especially on the PP.
Thankfully there is no Oettenger on the other end, but Dallas didn't have a McDrai combination either, so that's the tradeoff.
Hope both fan bases can keep it on the ice, because I feel that the dirty redneck of this province is going to get exposed for the hockey world to see at some point. Hope both fanbases don't shame us too much.
Game 1 can swing either way, but it will be absolutely MASSIVE is the Flames can pull this win off. Either way, at least it will be 10x more exciting than whatever garbage Dallas was playing.
Could be gamesmanship like Sutter with the Ritchie/Stone thing last round. Pretend they are nursing injuries to make the Flames alter their focus or expect players that aren't 100% when they are just fine.
Ah, have memories of good ol' Bob Hartley's "Aaavery body is game-time decision", complete with one of those mega-troll 'deal widdit' smiles.
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Needless to say, the Battle of Alberta is the hottest ticket in town and everybody wants in. Even the undesirables. Luckily the Flames have a gatekeeper who's more than capable of keeping out the rabble:
Spoiler!
Go Flames
I always though it was soap and toothpaste that Oiler fans were most scared of.
I brought my flames flag to the office to hang in the window.
Instead I hung it on the desk of my oilers fan colleagues’ desk. I wish I’d recorded her face when she came in because it would have been perfect submission to r/WatchPeopleDieInside. She was one of the last in and our whole office was watching and waiting. She hasn’t taken it down yet either. Looks so good every time I walk by.
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All three missed practice yesterday. But if it is gamesmanship, you would think Holland (why is the GM talking about lineups?!?) would be keeping his mouth shut and not saying which players will or won't be playing.
It's more likely he's just trying to keep his own fans calm amongst news that Draisaitl actually is injured.
I also think resting Kane and RNH makes sense because they're probably planning on playing them 30 minutes a night.
Kane for sure. But I expect the top line will play 30-35 minutes so I doubt RNH will see 30.
How has it been 31 years since these teams faced each other in the playoffs? How is that even possible?
The answer is that the hockey gods would not allow it. Because the iterations of these two teams, over those 30 years of darkness, were not worthy of this battle.
These two teams have EARNED the honour of becoming part of this battle! And now it is time to see which of these teams is the more worthy!
It's pretty easy when you look at the timelines/histories.
Edmonton = decade of darkness. No playoffs at all for a very, very long time.
Calgary = Young guns era. No playoffs for a very, very long time.
When we were bad, they were okay/good. When they were bad we were okay/good.
Just no chance to meet up if both teams don't make the dance.
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
Get the puck deep and get a heavy forecheck on the Oilers defense. They're all sloppy puck movers, and not that physically imposing. Start wearing them down. Deny them organized zone exits. In football the term is win the clock.
In the neutral zone, step in front of McDavid, deny him the ability to gather speed. Funnel him to the outside. And no he doesn't have a right to the front of the net. Also frustrate him on the cycle, hit him, hold him up on the boards. Make him play a game he doesn't want to play.
With Smith, get traffic in front, and make it close in traffic, play tight to the blue paint, attack the rebounds and there will be rebounds. wack at them.
Avoid the extra-curriclar BS. Don't take the penalties.
Make it clear that any attacks on the Flames skilled players will bring harm to McDavid and Draisaitl, period.
Draisaitl is dealing with a painful high ankle sprain. Attack him, hit him put him on the ice and make him stand back up.
Hire Terry Silver as a quality control coach.
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It's pretty easy when you look at the timelines/histories.
Edmonton = decade of darkness. No playoffs at all for a very, very long time.
Calgary = Young guns era. No playoffs for a very, very long time.
When we were bad, they were okay/good. When they were bad we were okay/good.
Just no chance to meet up if both teams don't make the dance.
yes mostly true. it was definitely on the table in 2006, and the Flames botched the most obvious setup with the Canadian division last year, but mostly this
First, I agree, they will be wanting to get into his head, as he is a ticking time bomb.
But as far as trying to beat him goes, I don't think the usual, 'bodies in front, shoot from everywhere' strategy is at all the way to go. That is actually where he is at his best.
Smith struggles with lateral movement, and with long shots
I agree. I think you have a better chance at beating him 1 on 1 that say, Ottenger. But you put him into a situation where he has to battle, that's his bread and butter.
