[PGT] Calgary Flames 2 - Pittsburgh Penguins 5

[ben voyonsdonc]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

The defense is good on paper, but definitely has a lot of work to do. We'll see if Huska can coach them into high proficiency as the season goes on.

I do attribute that, at least somewhat, to the shift in system from man to man. I hope that they’ll play a stronger team defence with more experience and greater confidence in knowing where their team mates are and where they are going.

It would have been great to have had this sorted out in the preseason but, alas, here we are.

[Enoch Root]

The Flames are trying to play completely differently than they did last year, both defensively and offensively - these types of changes take time. Some people have very unrealistic expectations.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by jayswin

I mean they're the oldest team in the league, a non playoff team that is now a year older. If we "expect to lose this one" then we are in serious trouble, lol.

They are an old team that throws out Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Rust, Letang, Karlsson....they can score in bunches regardless of age. Just because they missed last year does not mean they will this year.

[ben voyonsdonc]

The impact of being an older team doesn’t tend show this early in seasons. Older bodies likely wear down throughout the season as injuries reaggravate and the grind gets intense.

Crosby is, by all accounts, an absolute freak of athleticism. Although he is older, this early in the season, he’s in about as good shape as anyone else in the league.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

I'm willing to give them a pass here, just a shame that they couldn't lock down at least a point with that lead after 40. You have to lock down points in that position on the road.

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

I'm willing to give them a pass here, just a shame that they couldn't lock down at least a point with that lead after 40. You have to lock down points in that position on the road.

I believe that under one of the year when Hartley was coach, the Flames went an entire season without losing in regulation after leading going into the third period. Maybe they did once that season.

I just wish the team could be more reliable in this aspect.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Couldn’t see the game in real time. Tried to avoid finding out the result but was unsuccessful.

Came to this thread.

Seems it quickly devolved in to a gong show

[ben voyonsdonc]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

The Flames are trying to play completely differently than they did last year, both defensively and offensively - these types of changes take time. Some people have very unrealistic expectations.

Hopefully, it’s like when you are in the middle of doing a deep clean on your house and the house is at the stage when it looks way worse than it did before you started cleaning. We really need to finish the clean up.

I’d guess it is easier to institute a defensive lockdown system than it is to institute a more free flowing style. Teaching to avoid risks seems easier than to teach them to take calculated ones.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

I believe that under one of the year when Harley was coach, the Flames went an entire season without losing in regulation after leading going into the third period.

I just wish the team could be more reliable in this aspect.

Very much an early season type of game. Pens blew a lead against Chicago in their first game as well. It's understandable that teams are more prone to incomplete 60 minute games in the first batch of real games.

I really hope the Markstrom we saw in 5 period is the one we're going to get for the most part though, and not the one that pumpkin'd in that last period.

[All In Good Time]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

What big changes?

They moved Toffoli and fired Sutter. No other big changes were made, and that’s why the attendance for the opener was sad and the patience with the team is going to be low.

I’m not sure where you’re seeing this creative offense?

Sure there’s been change
The approach and attitude is much different
I agree with you though, getting rid of 2 proven champions is nothing when the ultimate goal is “more fun”
And
Isn’t one of the purposes of the changes we did make over the summer to foster more offensive creativity? I’m just trying to be a supportive fan in that respect

[ben voyonsdonc]

I can’t remember whether it was after the last preseason game or the first game of season but I remember Andersson say something like “I almost stopped myself from making that play” and I think they are trying to figure out where the line is in terms of taking risks.

I’ll give them some time before I get overly concerned but Huska was clear after game 1 that he didn’t like how they played and I don’t think he’ll be a fan of today either.

[DazzlinDino]

I thought the Flames played pretty well up to the third. The defenseman throwing the puck to a Pens player in their own zone was careless and deflating. Flames didn't play very smart hockey in the third period but they can be better. Let's put this in perspective even the good ol' Capitals lost to the Pens.

Some good stuff and a good effort and pushback; They just have to clean up a bit.

[Flame On]

That was a frustratingly rollercoaster game. Lots to like including Markstrom playing great, the team playing more exciting/pressing hockey. All to be undone in a fashion like last year with lots of chances to no real effect. I hope time solves some of those issues. They did seem to be better than the game before already, just can't learn in game againt the likes of Pittsburgh.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Igottago

Team looked okay at times but I think this is the way the season will go. I don't think the Flames star players are better than other teams star players, and that will likely be the difference on many nights. Huberdeau -- I know he scored tonight (attempted a pass), but man...he's just doesn't look like a guy to build your team around. The contract is scary.

He’s more a supporting star. I don’t think he’s a carry you on his back leader.

[Bonded]

Flames will need to have the most 20 goal scorers to go anywhere lol. Maybe Lindholm and Mangiapane get to 30 goals.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Flames will need to have the most 20 goal scorers to go anywhere lol. Maybe Lindholm and Mangiapane get to 30 goals.

I can't see Lindholm or Mangianpane scoring 30. Maybe we'll have a couple 25 goal scorers and some 15-20 goal scorer? Either way, yeah, we were always going to be in trouble for scoring this season.

[taxbuster]

Well, CP could simply suspend PGTs until after the 10th game....might be better off, win or lose, for everyone.

Sheesh. It's a game.

[Enoch Root]

The Flames were 19th in goals for last year, a whopping 15 goals from being in the top 10, despite playing Sutter's way. I suspect they will be easily in the top half of the league for goals this year

[GUnit]

My 2c only, but I saw too much remnant from Sutter hockey and straight collapsing low on anything resembling pressure. Is this shaking old system or a byproduct of something bigger. I won't go there cause the flexers gonna flex

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

The Flames were 19th in goals for last year, a whopping 15 goals from being in the top 10, despite playing Sutter's way. I suspect they will be easily in the top half of the league for goals this year

7 goals in 2 games

"they can't score!"

its why I get annoyed

Flames are on pace for 287 goals