[GDT] Flames @ Wild, 6 pm, SNW

[PeteMoss]

Dubnyk is starting - https://twitter.com/anthonylapanta/s...83070680760320

[Muta]

They're only starting Dubnyk because they're afraid of the destruction that Calgary is going to unleash on them.

[DoubleF]

I'm thinking 3-1. Up 2 quickly, plus a weird one to keep it close. Nail biter at the end but ENG to seal the deal.

[Gaudfather]

Let loose the Hudreauhan! That will solve Dubnyk.

[The Fonz]

I honestly feel sick to my stomach. This is arguably the most important game this team has played in 6 years (4-1 L to Chicago, game 6, 2009).

Sure we've been in playoff races since then... but I know, personally anyway, I haven't been this emotionally invested in the team since our last postseason.

[The Fonz]

Need to destroy Dubnyk tonight, and have him redeem himself against Vancouver.

[3rd line Grinder]

Originally Posted by Toonage

If Dubnyk finally sits one out tonight (agreed, its unlikely) I have completely forgotten who the backup is in Minnesota. Backstrom? Kuemper? Roloson?

Manny fernandez

[expatflame]

A win would be huge tonight. 1 point ahead of the Kings and 1 point away from the Nucks and Jets. Playoff game tonight

[Dodsdomd]

Originally Posted by MissTeeks

Wes Gilbertson‏@SUNGilbertson1m1 minute ago

#Flames LW Michael Ferland, one year sober today: "This is probably one of the biggest days of my life."

Wes Gilbertson‏@SUNGilbertson1m1 minute ago

More from #Flames Michael Ferland: "When I look back at everything I've been through, that was the best decision I ever made in my life."

Would love to see Ferland slot in tonight. You may just see him play like he's 10 foot tall today.

[Geeoff]

We need this! Can't rely on the OOT that's for sure. Just keep collecting points!

[nmhen]

I'm really excited for this game.

I expect a playoff-like effort from both teams.

Minny has been so-so at home lately, the big win over STL notwithstanding. Obviously they can't sustain this kind of winning percentage, so I've been looking for little cracks in their game that indicate they might be getting ready to fall back to earth.

Their PP is horrendous. Sounds like Vanek might get back on the 1st unit to start tonight, but he and Suter have been terrible on the PP for a while.

Apart from that, the only thing I've noticed is more of a feel thing in watching them. They just seem like they're not as sharp. They've won some games by coming from behind and the fear is they're losing some urgency early in games because of it. That's obviously a dangerous way to go about your business.

I was at the game on Long Island this week, and the first period the Isle absolutely OWNED the Wild. 16-5 shots or something like that. It was incredible. But, most of those shots and chances came from the outside, and they do a good job limiting rebounds - those few that Dubnyk allows, and that he doesn't direct away from danger. Result? 0-0 after one. Wild eventually won in the SO.

The thing about Dubnyk is he makes all the saves he should make, plus some that he shouldn't. But not more of those than is reasonable. He hasn't been superman. He's been solid and reliable. That tells you A) how horrendous Backstrom/Kuemper were before he got here and B) that this really is a pretty good Wild team in front of him.

I like our depth, we're getting offense from different lines.

Dumba is still prone to the gaffe, but my goodness, his offensive instincts are tremendous and he's only a pup yet - mistakes are to be expected.

Couple other things:

Granlund (ours) has been BRUTAL on faceoffs lately. And Coyle is also terrible on the dot. Koivu is pretty good, and Brodziak is okay - but he's hurt. Flames should get some possession off faceoffs tonight.

Suter's TOI has been coming down over the past couple weeks, unless there's an in-game injury on the blue line or something. The other night, Dumba had more TOI than Suter, believe it or not.

I love Schroeder's speed to the outside on the attack.

Bergenheim - ugh. The word is that, if Fletcher thought he even MIGHT be able to get Stewart, he wouldn't have traded for Bergenheim, playoff prowess or not. The guy is extremely inefficient - looks like he's working hard, never does anything.

Stewart has been strong for us. WE're getting him motivated - for a new contract beyond this season, and just for getting the heck out of Buffalo.

I'm hoping for a great game tonight, regardless of the outcome.

[nmhen]

Originally Posted by Toonage

If Dubnyk finally sits one out tonight (agreed, its unlikely) I have completely forgotten who the backup is in Minnesota. Backstrom? Kuemper? Roloson?

They've been rotating Backstrom and Kuemper. I don't know who is up tonight. I would prefer it if they just went with Kuemper because, if they want to buyout Backstrom after this season (Russo has reported this is a strong possibility), then they cannot risk Backstrom getting hurt - even as remote as that may be under the circumstances.

But they're also trying to keep Backstrom engaged, and there is no doubt he's been an incredibly good corporate citizen through this and his entire time with the Wild.

[jar_e]

Been stated so much already, but this game is so key. Not only for the fact two points are so important this time of year but also because I truly feel this sets the tempo for the rest of the road trip. We really need a strong game tonight and to extend that into the next four games.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Thanks for the great post.

Originally Posted by nmhen

Bergenheim - ugh. The word is that, if Fletcher thought he even MIGHT be able to get Stewart he wouldn't have traded for Bergenheim, playoff prowess or not. The guy is extremely inefficient - looks like he's working hard, never does anything.

This doesn't surprise me at all. I watched Bergenheim a lot in Florida, and it was clear that he just doesn't have the tools to go with his work ethic anymore. He's not going to hurt you too much, but it's very rare that he makes a difference in a game. Checks well enough though.

The reason he wanted out of Florida was mostly due to the fact that he wasn't being used in the role he saw for himself, mainly a more offensive role. Kind of glad they moved him on because it's allowed for a permanent spot in the lineup for Pirri who's been on fire lately.

Stewart has been strong for us. WE're getting him motivated - for a new contract beyond this season, and just for getting the heck out of Buffalo.

I'm hoping for a great game tonight, regardless of the outcome.

His numbers don't look any better than they were in Buffalo, so I'll take your word for it. I'm curious if this kid will ever figure it out on a consistent basis.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Gaudfather

Let loose the Hudreauhan! That will solve Dubnyk.

HuMonGaus.

[nmhen]

Cali - with Stewart it's that he's added a power forward dimension that we didn't have before. I really think seeing how he comports himself on the ice has finally shown Coyle what he needs to do, and Niederreiter, too. Both of them have been better since he showed up.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by nmhen

They've been rotating Backstrom and Kuemper. I don't know who is up tonight. I would prefer it if they just went with Kuemper because, if they want to buyout Backstrom after this season (Russo has reported this is a strong possibility), then they cannot risk Backstrom getting hurt - even as remote as that may be under the circumstances.

But they're also trying to keep Backstrom engaged, and there is no doubt he's been an incredibly good corporate citizen through this and his entire time with the Wild.

I doubt he can hurt himself holding a clipboard on the bench.

[nmhen]

@Toonage: Per Russo, Kuemper backs up tonight for Minny.

[nmhen]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

I doubt he can hurt himself holding a clipboard on the bench.

A) this is the Wild. Crazy things happen with their goalies.
B) While I agree (see my post), if he's up in the pressbox then there's really no chance he can come in in relief of Dubnyk, and get hurt a la Montoya.

All else equal, I'd prefer to have Kuemper backing up.

[Bunk]

It's really feeling like crunch time now. We need a pretty outstanding road trip to stay in it! Go Flames!