[PGT] Rocky Mountain High -- Flames win!

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

MacKinnon is too intense and was taking too much of an aggressive posture at the circle, slowly pushing Johnny backwards, for me to believe it was a friendly chat. On a side note, if I could chose an NHL player who I imagine is the worst trash talker, Johnny is probably my pick

Oh, it very well could be. Especially at that point in the game. I just think it’s funny how we make narratives in our own heads.

On another topic, who is the “flames fan” in that other site badmouthing our fun in the ATL?

[Rubicant]

Originally Posted by Tkachukwagon

https://twitter.com/user/status/1500525819243814922

Even neglecting the goals, Gudbranson has been just awesome this year. I love our twin tower pairing - they provide an element of physical play with more than decent defence and puck moving.

I can’t remember a time I’ve been more wrong about a player acquisition than Gudbranson.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Oh, it very well could be. Especially at that point in the game. I just think it’s funny how we make narratives in our own heads.

On another topic, who is the “flames fan” in that other site badmouthing our fun in the ATL?

I like that they say Calgarypuck is spoofing them as if it isn't just a cut and paste exercise.

There's no need to play it up! There isn't any satire in this!

[getbak]

Originally Posted by IamNotKenKing

No. Edmonton shall not make the playoffs.
Never. Ever.
NEVER!

(The rest is fine though…).

If we're talking about exorcising playoff demons, Anaheim would be a good fit for the second round. Even though a Battle of Alberta would be huge for the city, obliterating any remnants of the Honda Center curse in the playoffs would be massive for the players.

[camm13]

I don't think so, ducks aren't at all the same team they were once.

[agulati]

Such a fun game, last night. The biggest test for the team (beyond the three game road trip in Florida and Carolina). Top line with all the scoring, though. With the tough week upcoming, hopefully we can get some of the other lines to contribute this week, as well.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

9 points up on the Oilers. With 2 games in hand.

LOL.

Something, something, rearview mirror...

That being said, I'm a sucker for goals from defencemen bombed from the blueline so that Gudbranson goal was a thing of beauty.

Just a howitzer from the blueline!

[Enoch Root]

We all love Sutter's comment that it is a 3-2 league. Well here's a crazy stat that backs it up:

When scoring at least 3 goals, the flames a 30-3-2

That is an .886 pace. That is insane.

[Northendzone]

I thought that was a very impressive win last night by the flames.

Both zadorov and Gudbranson have turned out to be massive signings.

I feel bad for lindholm as he likely should be getting paid twice as much. (I also thought the refs did the flames a solid last night and swallowed thier whistle when he appeared to cross check a hapless abs player right behind the flames net in ot) fantastic pass though to set up Johnny.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I thought that was a very impressive win last night by the flames.

Both zadorov and Gudbranson have turned out to be massive signings.

I feel bad for lindholm as he likely should be getting paid twice as much. (I also thought the refs did the flames a solid last night and swallowed thier whistle when he appeared to cross check a hapless abs player right behind the flames net in ot) fantastic pass though to set up Johnny.

Lindy is worth more on a UFA deal right now. OTOH, I’m not gonna cry for any NHL player for not having enough money.

[AC]

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

On a side note, if I could chose an NHL player who I imagine is the worst trash talker, Johnny is probably my pick

Probably a safe bet.

[tvp2003]

Originally Posted by Tkachukwagon

https://twitter.com/user/status/1500525819243814922

I put $100 down on this exact scenario and now I have more money than Jeff Bezos…

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern

MacKinnon is too intense and was taking too much of an aggressive posture at the circle, slowly pushing Johnny backwards, for me to believe it was a friendly chat. On a side note, if I could chose an NHL player who I imagine is the worst trash talker, Johnny is probably my pick

Maybe not friendly, but definitely no animosity either, Mackinnon is a big fan of Gaudreau. The 2 played on a line together on Team North America and they were outstanding together, actually thought they were the best duo on the team.

MacKinnon even said on HNIC After Hours that he wanted to steal Gaudreau so he could play with him some more or something to that affect. I’ve tried to find that post game show but haven’t been able to. Regardless, MacKinnon definitely respects Gaudreau and it was probably just some friendly banter between 2 ultra competitive guys who happen to have a lot of admiration for one another.

[FlamesAddiction]

This game was a great showcase for Gaudreau's two-way game. He was defending just as hard as he was attacking and always making the smart play. If you told me a couple of years ago that Gaudreau would emerge as one of the league's best 200 foot players, I wouldn't have believed it, but he has done it.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

I put $100 down on this exact scenario and now I have more money than Jeff Bezos…

Sooo....when do you rocket the Edmonton Oilers into space? I only have enough for a 1-way ticket tho...

[Classic_Sniper]

Was busy and caught the game the next day, but that was a match up ladies and gentlemen. That was as close to a playoff type game as it gets in the regular season. The pace and intensity was through the roof from the minute the puck dropped. Extremely entertaining game that needs to be seen in a 7 game series.

Also, there is no doubt in my mind that Gaudreau and Lindholm will be able to atone for their previously poor playoff outings. They along with Tkachuk raised the levels of their game and ended up being in on every goal.

Although this is likely a problem that can be saved for a different thread. But I digress, I think this line is ready for the playoffs now that Gaudreau finally has a center playing like a true #1 pivot and despite having to deal with a heck of defenseman in Devon Toews all night, that line passed a big test yesterday IMO.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by AC

Probably a safe bet.

[Jore]

Finally got to watch the whole game.

Great to see how the Flames battled hard and skated with maybe the best team in the league in their own building. Definitely the most the entertaining game of the year.

Nice to see Vladar put up a solid game.

Lindholm was definitely the Flames best player. Tkachuk had some nice moves and you love to see his getting Makar's goat. Gudbranson had a good game setting the physical tone in addition to scoring. The 4th line did well to limit chances. Dube especially seemed on top of things and used his speed well. Andersson had a really strong performance as well.

With that said, the Flames seemed to struggle more and more as the game went on with the Avalanche's pace and execution. The 3 odd man rushes with less than 5 minutes to go in the third could have gone much worse.

The Backlund line had an uncharacteristically poor night. Perhaps it's time to try to switch Coleman and Toffoli's spots. The third line needs a re-think. Kylington had some good and some bad. I have confidence that he will learn from seeing the level that the Avs play at.

It's pointless to rag on them but seeing Hanifin and Monahan cough up pucks or fail to make plays reminded me of how the Flames have folded up in years past in playoff intensity. Too timid and mentally slow when the other team starts pushing.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

This game was a great showcase for Gaudreau's two-way game. He was defending just as hard as he was attacking and always making the smart play. If you told me a couple of years ago that Gaudreau would emerge as one of the league's best 200 foot players, I wouldn't have believed it, but he has done it.

I don’t think it’s necessarily that Gaudreau has completely altered his defensive game, he’s always had the ability to backcheck and strip players from the puck. I think it has more to do with how connected the top line is now and how they’ve changed their strategy on the backcheck. It’s the biggest structural change I’ve noticed from Peters/Ward to Darryl and it has altered everything.

The way that line always has the F3 positioned is a thing of beauty. It’s usually Lindholm since he’s so smart and has such great defensive acumen, but occasionally Gaudreau and Tkachuk are thrusted into that role and they do just fine.

[Flames0910]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

I don’t think it’s necessarily that Gaudreau has completely altered his defensive game, he’s always had the ability to backcheck and strip players from the puck. I think it has more to do with how connected the top line is now and how they’ve changed their strategy on the backcheck. It’s the biggest structural change I’ve noticed from Peters/Ward to Darryl and it has altered everything.

The way that line always has the F3 positioned is a thing of beauty. It’s usually Lindholm since he’s so smart and has such great defensive acumen, but occasionally Gaudreau and Tkachuk are thrusted into that role and they do just fine.

Yup. IMO this is what Darryl means when he preaches accountability. If one person doesn’t play the right way it drags the whole line down.

You can see it on the forecheck too. One guy engages the puck carrier and the open player is always in a predictable spot to receive the dish or help out.