I've been burnt out on the Flames and the NHL for a couple of years now - but there's a small, legitimate feeling of excitement in me this morning. I may just check this out, see if I can carefully cultivate this enthusiasm.
This is a common symptom of watching Glen Gulutzan hockey. I’m right there with you.
I feel good about the team, they should be able to have a good start this season. 4-1 Flames win.
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A few weeks after crashing head-first into the boards (denting his helmet and being unable to move for a little while) following a hit from behind by Bob Errey, the Calgary Flames player explains:
"I was like Christ, lying on my back, with my arms outstretched, crucified"
-- Frank Musil - Early January 1994
I know on paper it looks like an easier opponent to start the season against but it’s also tough psychologically for the flames. Playing a team that’s loose right off the start because of very low expectations. It’s like one of those end of season games where the flames are desperate for a win to make the playoffs while the opponent has been out of the playoff picture for months and are playing loose and relaxed. Plus Smith seems to have a tendency to not bring his A-game against lesser opponents.
Still... this incarnation of the flames have feasted on the canucks the last few years so I think it should continue. Flames 4. Canucks 2.
I know on paper it looks like an easier opponent to start the season against but it’s also tough psychologically for the flames. Playing a team that’s loose right off the start because of very low expectations. It’s like one of those end of season games where the flames are desperate for a win to make the playoffs while the opponent has been out of the playoff picture for months and are playing loose and relaxed. Plus Smith seems to have a tendency to not bring his A-game against lesser opponents.
I'd have that concern if GG was still behind the bench. I like to think with Peters he'll be a little more assertive in his approach and that will translate onto the ice (i.e playing fast and aggressive versus trying to play the system and win 50/50 battles while not making any mistakes).
I am glad to see that Olli Juolevi is an impact player this season.
It's crazy how on a deeper defensive core, with higher expectations, Valimaki still managed to make the NHL before Juolevi all while being younger too. Pouliot and Del Zotto......
