[PGT] Flames win the home opener!

[GS Skier]

So much to watch during games I missed this and it was reported elsewhere. Mangiapane and Dube were all over Hughes all night. That was the report but I can't recall where I heard it.

Watched Habs/Oilers last night too. The Habs absolutely played the puck into Bear's corner all night long all three periods. Montreal clearly game planned that and it worked well for them I might add. You have to believe our two young buzzsaws were after Hughes by design.

BTW I thought Lucic redeemed himself well last night.

[Rejean31]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

Tanev was great and of course Markstrom against their old team but I think the Flames found gold in Nesterov.

Yup, Nestorov is probably better than anyone playing defence for the Oilers these days. Ha Ha. Stupid Oilers.

[bax]

Originally Posted by Jiggy

Dom Luszczyszyn from the Athletic said the Tanev signing was terrible back in October. He based his decision from what he saw on a spreadsheet. This is exactly why you have to watch the actual games to see a players worth.

Not to derail this this thread, but I can’t stand the argument that writers who incorporate advanced stats don’t watch the games. Dom watches more hockey than pretty much anybody.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I confess I didn’t keep track of Canucks’ combos - who was his partner?

I am unsure, but I think it was Myers.

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[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Did like the more motion based power play, would like to see a little more aggression on the penalty kill though.

Weird. I thought tbe penalty kill was fantastic. It looked to me like they were pressuring a tonne.

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[Bingo]

Originally Posted by keenan87

Good Game.. happy for Markstrom and a lot of players played well.

Bennett hasn't stopped taking dumb penalties though... must be due to his linemates.

I also think Gaudreau is a PP specialist but continues to struggle 5-5. Just can't seem to takeover a game anymore, which sucks because that used to be really entertaining.

Can't even imagine living in such a bitter world!

But yeah Bennett has to use his head. The first one ... maybe an argument about the dman holding his glove/stick. The second one was just silly.

Luckily no one is blaming them on anything but Bennett, contrary to your comment.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

One thing I’ll say is I think that’s one of the worst games I’ve seen Pettersson play in the NHL.

His decision making on that 5 on 3 pretty much sealed the game for me.

Terrible reads ... forcing plays.

Given the Flames penchant for losing every key face off, they had 1:40 of zone time and literally didn't get a scoring chance.

[Moneyhands23]

I have watched the highlights at least 7 times now! It will probably reach double digits later today ��

[Enoch Root]

Faceoffs were a huge concern.

But the PK did a great job of eliminating the cross-ice pass - especially on the 5 on 3

[blender]

Originally Posted by AC

Yeah, if he (and his line overall) continues to struggle at even strength being an elite PP specialist is a great way to make up for it

Did they actually struggle at even strength? I know they didn't score, but my viewing (didn't check advanced stats) thought looked OK.

[Aleks]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

Shouldn’t the Gio stick slash have been a penalty shot?

No, doesn't meet the criteria

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[Robbob]

I thought that line had chances. Motte saved a sure goal early. I think it will come, it still early. I think the team as a whole are doing good things 5v5, just haven't been rewarded yet.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by blender

Did they actually struggle at even strength? I know they didn't score, but my viewing (didn't check advanced stats) thought looked OK.

There have only been 2 goals against, 5 on 5, so far this year, and the same 5 players were out for both:

Lucic - Bennett - Nordstrom
Giordano - Andersson

And that group might never be seen again.

[blender]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

There have only been 2 goals against, 5 on 5, so far this year, and the same 5 players were out for both:

Lucic - Bennett - Nordstrom
Giordano - Andersson

And that group might never be seen again.

Good point.
Has to be said, playing a draw at evens and owning the special teams battle has always been winning hockey.

[red sky]

Gio looked a bit rusty at the beginning of the game and was not handling the puck well but settled into the game and had a great last two periods. Was aggressive when he needed to be and had some great outlet passes. Fantastic to see.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by gt4flames

That was #23s best game in years. His patience with the puck that ended up off the post was a beautiful piece of finesse.

The Monahan we know and love. Not a bag of garbage in sight.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

I thought Hughes looked quite bad defensively. Can see why Makar won the Calder.

How's that possible when he is going to contend for the Norris this year?!

[Flamescuprun2018]

Overall a joy the watch that game on many levels. Markstrom is cool as a cucumber out there.

3 D pairings are very solid.

Mangi and Dube are taking a big step this year. Confidence brimming for both.

Would like to see Simon on the RW of Gaudreau/Monahan line at some point.
Not sure about Leivo there.

Bennett penalties was the only totally frustrating thing about that game.

[Zulu29]

Awesome all around game. Tanev and Markstrom made a statement against their old team. Was impressed with Nesterov as well, great signing. And Mang and Doobs...what can I say, they are legit, gives this team so many options. Great to have Flames hockey back

[sticktrick]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

I admittedly haven't seen a lot of Hughes.
I've seen quite a bit of Makar though, and he has really impressed.

Both players are exceptional. They are both dynamic defensemen
and equally good. It’ll be fun to watch them develop. I hope Valimaki sees the same progression.