[PGT] Flames lose another boring one. 2-1 Dallas

[skcli]

Originally Posted by Racki

What do they do now? I say call up dube and inject some energy into the lineup. A Sam Bennett return would be great too.

Seat Neal, and Monahan for a few games

[bubbsy]

Monahan and lindholm look beyond useless, at least they weren't liabilities.

The book on the flames is out. Just play a trap game and hope to get some pp chances to make good on, as the flames aren't a great pk team.

In a 7 game series, when teams are just going to play that tight checking, clog up the neutral zone type game, only way to counter is to keep making their d turn to retrieve pucks and apply pressure in an effort to win the puck back.

How many forwards do the flames have that can be effective on the forecheck? 3m line is good, Hathaway, ryan.

Flames miss Bennett, as he can be a definite difference maker in this regard.

If neal can't make plays, can't get in on the forecheck, I just have no clue about what he actually provides this team.

I kinda wish they played again tomorrow. Might have seen some more desperation in their game.

[TheSutterDynasty]

On another note, I think a team like Dallas could do something in the playoffs.

Goaltending is always huge. They play a damn boring game but if their big 3 get engaged they could some damage. They are a big team.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

I could give a crap what happens in the next five games. No one will remember them. Just be ready for the playoffs.

I could give a crap too, and I've decided that I'm going to. This loss sucked.

Hopefully some of the players who didn't show up could give a crap too.

[taxbuster]

Originally Posted by Coach

Meh, Flames played well enough to win.

Disagree. They played like crap. No cohesion, no breakouts, lousy coverage on the backcheck, poor puck handling....the list is long. Too many little mistakes and one big one (allowing a 1-on-3 goal at this time of year?).

They have NO idea how to play in tight-checking games. Dunno if that is coaching or the players, but they'd better figure it out fast or it's going to be a really short playoff ride. Like four games.

[GeoRock]

Originally Posted by TheAlpineOracle

We are one game above .500 when playing playoff teams. That is a very concerning stat.

Fortunately it's best of 7!

[direwolf]

This team needs more Sam Bennett!

[SuperMatt18]

PK was no good. Offence lacking creativity right now.

Thought the effort was okay just struggling to be creative offensive chances. Didn’t give up anything at 5v5 either though.

Lots of pucks just missing sticks and bouncing past players too tonight.

[Since1984]

Originally Posted by Nsd1

What have you done for me lately attitude at its finest

I guess when you haven't done much of anything for the past couple of weeks and the playoffs are on the doorstep.... Most fans have a right to say he had been pretty bad lately.

This team is looking like a first round bust lately. More bad efforts than good over the last month or so.

[GranteedEV]

special teams are killing us lately. The PK has had its holes all year, and the PP has been MIA since what feels like January.

[TheAlpineOracle]

This team has been dog #### since the all-star break. Hopefully they turn it around. Racking up wins against non-playoff team isn’t overly impressive.

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

special teams are killing us lately. The PK has had its holes all year, and the PP has been MIA since what feels like January.

The PP in particular is a major problem right now. They seriously need to fix that crap before the playoffs start.

[Mathgod]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

Don't the Flames have a better record versus playoff teams than San Jose and Vegas?

That's the good news in all of this... the Western Conference has been a tire fire this year. The Flames have as good a chance as anyone to make it to the cup final. Same thing can be said for the Blues, and maybe the Sharks if they get healthy in time for the playoffs. No one else seems to be playing that well right now in the West.

[1qqaaz]

I believe the Flames have only won two more than they've lost in the past 26 games (14-12)

They can float by without the top line, but they can't do much more than that. This has now been affecting the team for a good chuck of the season.
Like GranteedEV said, a lot of it is probably due to the special teams. Gotta work that out.

On the bright side, goaltending seems solid lately.

[81MC]

6-4-0 last 10, whilst the top line is lame and the team is playing poorly enough to have fans concerned? ‘First round bust’ might be getting a little bit pessimistic, no?

[GeoRock]

0/20 in last 20 pp attempts. Even with games tightening up, I'd say this might be a factor. Figure it out boys.

[DropIt]

Originally Posted by VANFLAMESFAN

Imagine thinking a point a game player is bad.

Right now he is playing bad. Hard to argue

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by Racki

What do they do now? I say call up dube and inject some energy into the lineup. A Sam Bennett return would be great too.

No better motivation then losing your spot.

Agreed, plus they might score which we seem incapable of lately.

[GGG]

Magic Number still 3. 5 games left. Not a big deal

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by 81MC

6-4-0 last 10, whilst the top line is lame and the team is playing poorly enough to have fans concerned? ‘First round bust’ might be getting a little bit pessimistic, no?

It’s very pessimistic. They’re still 6 points better than 2nd in the conference with only 5-6 games left for the teams in the hunt. Dallas is a good team. The LA game sucked but let’s not pretend the Stars are slouches.