[PGT] Flames lose to Leafs 5-4 (OTL)

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Kovaz

I'd argue the real problem is Huberdeau and Toffoli are a horrible fit together. Neither is particularly fast, both are at their best as the third forward in. Every time Huberdeau gets the puck in the neutral zone he's looking to spring someone on a fast counterattack and that just isn't Toffoli's game. The play Hanifin made on the first goal is exactly what Huberdeau needs from his linemates - someone to skate into space before the puck gets there and he'll find them.


Put Huberdeau with someone fast on the other wing like Dube and they'll start putting up points in bunches IMO.

I agree completely, but I'd argue for Mangiapane instead. He has better finish.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by dino7c

His stick was barely above his waist the guy was bent over...pretty unfortunate. Flames players were being mauled in the late stages of the third

I agree the Flames players were being mauled but keep control of your stick. The refs had already controlled the game and you knew they were absolutely going to call a high stick on any Toronto player even in OT. This team isn't in a comfortable playoff spot and points are important. A leader on the team should know this and be less careless with his stick on the opening faceoff of OT.

I really hope Huberdeau figures it out and want to give him time to do so but he isn't helping himself or the team at all letting his stick float up against the Leafs. They will feel it and a call will be made.

[Fan in Exile]

Is all the attention on Huberdeau because he took the penalty? Because he makes the most money? I don't really get it. The Flames defense is worse than last year and their goaltending is worse than last year. Their forwards are less consistent too but that wasn't the problem last night.

In any event, literally every aspect of the team needs improvement. Hard to believe in this team as things stand.

[camm13]

Nearing game 30 and everyone is still waiting on Huby to have that breakout game. He's had flashes, but still looking no where near the player he was in Florida. Him, Lindy and Toffoli have looked better together than the start of the season but it's still not working. Get him a fast player like Mang or Dube to play with.

[Paulie Walnuts]

The refs stole the show last night. This league has some serious officiating issues.

Lol at people saying Phillips was bad it's like you are going out of your way to find a fault. His ability to hold pucks and make passes was very noticeable and his play led directly to Lewis goal.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by dino7c

His stick was barely above his waist the guy was bent over...pretty unfortunate. Flames players were being mauled in the late stages of the third

Yeah that was really bad luck more than anything else.

To see otherwise is pretty jaded.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by Fan in Exile

Is all the attention on Huberdeau because he took the penalty? Because he makes the most money?

His careless stick put them down seconds into OT and cost them a point. Simple as that.

I think if any player took that penalty people would be saying to control your stick

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Burning Beard

His careless stick put them down seconds into OT and cost them a point. Simple as that.

I think if any player took that penalty people would be saying to control your stick

Leaf player went forward and down or there isn't even a penalty.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by Kovaz

I'd argue the real problem is Huberdeau and Toffoli are a horrible fit together. Neither is particularly fast, both are at their best as the third forward in. Every time Huberdeau gets the puck in the neutral zone he's looking to spring someone on a fast counterattack and that just isn't Toffoli's game. The play Hanifin made on the first goal is exactly what Huberdeau needs from his linemates - someone to skate into space before the puck gets there and he'll find them.


Put Huberdeau with someone fast on the other wing like Dube and they'll start putting up points in bunches IMO.

Agreed. Said before season I don’t like Toffoli with Huberdeau. I wanted Dube but I’d be ok with Mangiapane. I do think Mangiapane Kadri and Toffoli would have better chemistry and Dube would be good with Lindholm and Huberdeau

2nd line all smallish skilled guys and first line is bigger and skilled. Need to mix the speed up and get a righty on each line

[Young Guns]

For me it wasn’t the penalties Calgary took. Though the Backlund call was weak and the guy tripping over Vladar’s stick right in the blue paint was weak. I’m pissed about the same damn infractions against us that never got called. Mangiapane was cross checked in the numbers a couple times. Way worse than the backlund penalty and comparable to the Matthews call.

Agree with most about Toffoli. He needs to swap places with Mangiapane. I think he should be on the 2nd PP as well.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Young Guns

For me it wasn’t the penalties Calgary took. Though the Backlund call was weak and the guy tripping over Vladar’s stick right in the blue paint was weak. I’m pissed about the same damn infractions against us that never got called. Mangiapane was cross checked in the numbers a couple times. Way worse than the backlund penalty and comparable to the Matthews call.

Agree with most about Toffoli. He needs to swap places with Mangiapane. I think he should be on the 2nd PP as well.

For the two PP units I think I'd go

Huberdeau / Kadri / Lindholm / Toffoli / Andersson

Backlund / Mangiapane / Ruzicka / Phillips / Hanifin

[Jiri Hrdina]

toffoli is second on the team in goals and ppgs
He’s not the problem

[saillias]

Almost forgot what it's like to have a functional 4th line and not a handicap. It's obvious within one or two shifts how much better Zohorna is than Rooney.

As for the reffing problem - they've been undisciplined this year, and what happens is the refs miss a high stick here or there and do a make up call and unfortunately it keeps happening in OT. The Kadri line is especially brutal lately getting their sticks in guys faces. And too many guys are vocal complainers which has the opposite effect and just makes the ref let them get away with even less.

[Young Guns]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

toffoli is second on the team in goals and ppgs
He’s not the problem

Not the problem but something needs to change on that top line. Zero chemistry between the three. Shoot, swap Kadri and Lindholm again to try and find something. Or go back to Ruzicka, Lindholm and Toffoli.

[CFO]

I'd argue weegar has been the larger dissapointment.

[Burning Beard]

Originally Posted by CFO

I'd argue weegar has been the larger dissapointment.

He had a couple of bad games this road trip but was pretty solid defensively before that.

[chedder]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Leaf player went forward and down or there isn't even a penalty.

Interesting so I tried to look up. From what I could find this is the rule:

NHL Rulebook Text
“A “high stick” is one which is carried above the height of the opponent’s shoulders. Players must be in control and responsible for their sticks. However, a player is permitted accidental contact on an opponent if the act is committed as a normal wind up or follow through of a shooting motion, or accidental contact on the opposing center who is bent over during the course of a face-off. A wild swing at a bouncing puck would not be considered a normal wind up or follow through and any contact with an opponent above the height of the shoulders shall be penalized accordingly.”

So a centre can be bent over and hit in face and no penalty but not the same for wingers?

Edit. I just watched the replay and the Leaf player was standing essentially straight up, not bent over and attempting to skate away when Huberdeau's stick hit him. Penalty every day of the week.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

People see what they wanna see, I guess.

I saw Phillips with multiple key takeaways, a solid zone entry on the pp about fifteen seconds before the Hanifin goal, a solid zone exit that resulted in genuine speed down the middle (something this team sorely lacks), a puck battle in the corner that resulted in a glorious Mangiapane chance, and just a general level of play that made dropping Coleman down a line possible. And no, I don't think Phillips was even the second best player on his line, but that's a testament to how strongly the other two have been for us.

Yes they do. Just watched the game and Phillips had no takeaways.

I mean, he was fine, not really impactful in either a good or a bad way. Had a good shift in the second.

Anyone who saw any more than that was definitely seeing what they want to see.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by dino7c

I saw Huberdeau setup a goal but people are acting like he killed a puppy with his bare hands

I thought Phillips was good too by the way

Huberdeau made a few good passes and had a pretty good game IMO.

I think people are reacting to the OT penalty, but suggesting Huberdeau was terrible (as several posters have) is pretty ridiculous

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

Won’t talk about penalties but how did Hanifin’s second goal count? Continuous play? What about the goal that was waived off against Columbus because the whistle had gone?

I’m sure there’s an explanation for it but it would be nice to have some consistency for stuff like that.

Also, I’m glad Phillips looked okay and that Lucic was scratched; Looch is no longer an every day player so he’s going to have to learn how to bring energy and physicality whenever he gets injected into the lineup.

Yes, continuous play.

The same thing should have been called in Columbus, and I could not understand why they didn't rule it that way. Also, it was astounding that there was no call, and no mention, of the CBJ defenseman covering the puck with his hand in the crease. Should have been a goal, and if no goal called, should have been a penalty shot.