[PGT] Flames 5 Flyers 2 - solid road win

[Heavy Jack]

I really like how the flames looked for much of the game, I’m sure eventually Huby will slot back up but part of me doesn’t mind spreading the wealth, especially if Dube and Mangi can find some consistency with Kads. Zad is a beast out there too, such a smooth skater for a guy his size and he’s starting to jump up more and more which is awesome to see. Keep it up!!

[Goriders]

Looks like the Flames are settling in a bit. Starting to get production out of Huberdeau, Dube, Coleman and Mangiapane.

Liking Gilbert on the blueline. Tough player.

[All In Good Time]

Originally Posted by memphusk

No Oinker comment section on the ATL? Are they done squealing?

Most likely consoling themselves after slamming into a wall tonight
Wanting to waive all their forwards and go down to 2 forwards all game from here on out to save cap space
Reassuring themselves that their #1 D is worth it and their coach is brilliant
Applauding their win of the Lucic trade
And other such visionary topics

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

I really like how the flames looked for much of the game, I’m sure eventually Huby will slot back up but part of me doesn’t mind spreading the wealth, especially if Dube and Mangi can find some consistency with Kads. Zad is a beast out there too, such a smooth skater for a guy his size and he’s starting to jump up more and more which is awesome to see. Keep it up!!

Was wondering why they wouldn’t leave Huberdeau with Backlund.

Lindholm seems to be meshing with Ruzicka.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

not a flames win without the twerking alien

[transplant99]

[Chingas]

I thought that Markstrom played well and made himself big tonight. Lately he's been making himself small but I noticed a definite change in his posture and positioning today.

[FlamesAddiction]

It's funny reading the comments from the Flyers fans in the OTL because they sound exactly like a lot of us (myself included). That kind of self-deprecating tone when things aren't going well.

I have always had a soft spot for the Flyers because they remind me a lot of the Flames. Two teams that have had to work twice as hard for every once of success, while their inter-state/provincial rivals have silver spoons and horseshoes tucked away sideways in a place I won't mention. Both teams also have a history of playing tough hockey. We are kindred spirits I think.

[AC]

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

It's funny reading the comments from the Flyers fans in the OTL because they sound exactly like a lot of us (myself included). That kind of self-deprecating tone when things aren't going well.

I have always had a soft spot for the Flyers because they remind me a lot of the Flames. Two teams that have had to work twice as hard for every once of success, while their inter-state/provincial rivals have silver spoons and horseshoes tucked away sideways in a place I won't mention. Both teams also have a history of playing tough hockey. We are kindred spirits I think.

They’re our sister franchise.
Décades of being in the mushy middle with little playoff success and a lack of high draft picks. Both teams are constantly ´going for it’ rather than rebuilding. The Oilers/Pens analogy is truth.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Beatle17

I agree. After watching the clip between the first and second period made during the game in Florida it really showed Huby talking with guys where he expects them to go when he has the puck. And talking on the bench with what he wants guys to do when he is set up with the puck, I think we will start to see a streak of games with 2 or 3 points soon.

Also playing with Backlund can help him settle down a bit as they seem to think a lot alike and Backs gives him the freedom to try more stuff offensively.

Plus, Backs is great at zone entries.

[Huntingwhale]

Solid win!

[Teroy]

They still have a heck of a time getting out of their own zone.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Teroy

They still have a heck of a time getting out of their own zone.

Because they pass it to the winger, who is standing still on the side boards, every single time.

Easiest pinch in the world for the defenseman, and they do pinch, every single time.

You have to stretch the defense out - you have send guys and move the puck up ice with speed. The Flames did this last year quite a bit, but they are doing it very little this year.

You have to play with speed, and the Flames aren't doing that enough. It's getting better. But it isn't there yet.

[Teroy]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Because they pass it to the winger, who is standing still on the side boards, every single time.

Easiest pinch in the world for the defenseman, and they do pinch, every single time.

You have to stretch the defense out - you have send guys and move the puck up ice with speed. The Flames did this last year quite a bit, but they are doing it very little this year.

You have to play with speed, and the Flames aren't doing that enough. It's getting better. But it isn't there yet.

Agreed but they also have a heck of a time getting control in their zone.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Teroy

Agreed but they also have a heck of a time getting control in their zone.

Not sure I agree with that. I think the defense is elite at breaking up plays and gaining possession. I just find that too many times, they get possession, pass it to the winger, the winger loses it on the pinch, and it's back in the corner. Rinse and repeat.

[Paulie Walnuts]

The defensive zone has not been clean this year. It's a fire drill at times, and it take a lot of energy getting the puck back or out. It's actually pretty remarkable how much volume we still get, and not allow many shots.

If we can get clean exits and up ice with more consistent speed, I think our 5V5 scoring picks up like it did last year. Not sure if this is a system change or guys just not skating.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

The defensive zone has not been clean this year. It's a fire drill at times, and it take a lot of energy getting the puck back or out. It's actually pretty remarkable how much volume we still get, and not allow many shots.

If we can get clean exits and up ice with more consistent speed, I think our 5V5 scoring picks up like it did last year. Not sure if this is a system change or guys just not skating.

I think Sutter has them focused on systems right now. And on defense. And I think that is hindering the offense.

But Sutter is playing the long game - get them playing well defensively, them give them more leash. They will be fine. And I strongly believe they will be a second-half team.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Teroy

They still have a heck of a time getting out of their own zone.

I think they have been better at home the last few games before the roadtrip.

Sent from my SM-G986W using Tapatalk

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

The defensive zone has not been clean this year. It's a fire drill at times, and it take a lot of energy getting the puck back or out. It's actually pretty remarkable how much volume we still get, and not allow many shots.

If we can get clean exits and up ice with more consistent speed, I think our 5V5 scoring picks up like it did last year. Not sure if this is a system change or guys just not skating.

I think the defensive side has shown notable improvements over the last 7-10 games. The offensive side is one that is still going to be limited this year, even if/when Huberdeau and Mangiapane start contributing with more regularity. I wouldn't expect too many "easy" wins like last year when this group would get up big and just ride it out.

The key is getting special teams locked in and back to a consistent top 10 level on both sides so that this group can capitalize when they get these chances and hold off other teams when they do.