[PGT] Flames 4 : Kings 2

[browna]

Solid play but then slowly burning out and lost leads in 3 games in a row before the break vs the Leafs, Oilers (fluke GWG against) and outplaying a St L team for 45 minutes only to lose in the last minute, were killer. That was 3-6 points considering how well they played in those games, and got 0.

[gilligans_off]

Are we good again?

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Kylington/Pachal is substantially better than Zadorov/Desimone

Yes it is.

Sadly, they won't be better than Hanifin/Tanev.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

Yes it is.

Sadly, they won't be better than Hanifin/Tanev.

well obviously

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Kylington/Pachal is substantially better than Zadorov/Desimone

Yeah, I used to hold my breathe whenever those two on the ice and the puck in our zone. Now, I don't even notice them on the ice, in a good way, don't have to hold my breathe. And when I notice them, they are carrying the puck rushing up ice either get a shot on net or setting up their teammates.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Also, I didn't mention it before - hats off for Mangiapane scoring such a beauty on his 400th. There's another player finding his way back as well. Underlying numbers are strong, 5 on 5 numbers are pretty, but he wasn't putting the puck in the net. I hope this gets him over whatever line he seemed to be on the other side of. I still think he is a 30 goal scorer in this league that plays a relentless brand of fearless hockey.

Mangiapane earned his contract through a lot of grit and going to the net

I don’t see 30 from him

But like a lot of what we’ve seen lately from Huberdeau for sure

[FBI]

Huberdeau also seems to be reading the opponents plays off the boards better lately. He seems to be anticipating the puck going there and guessing right.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Kylington/Pachal is substantially better than Zadorov/Desimone

Kylington/Zadorov will be even better! ... next season.

[taxbuster]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Exactly

Gotta keep their side of the street clean

A reference from "The Bear"?

[CFO]

Over the last 5 or so games - walker super has stepped his game up. Much more engaged on the forecheck and hitting again.

[Barnet Flame]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Every summer people say the Sens are gonna be good lol

At least people don’t crown them cup champs every summer.

[Nelson]

I’m super impressed by the team’s effort level right now, with all the trades that are going to happen over the next 9 days. Good job by everyone, players and coaching staff.

[Goriders]

It’s a bit of a shame that the team is probably going to be hamstrung over the next week or so. They are really rounding into form. But Nashville seems to be seperating from the pack which is a problem.

But in Conroy’s defence. The flip side to how well they are playing is how terrible they were at the start of the season and how many times they didn’t show up against teams they should have easily beat.

Guess we’ll see what ultimately happens. But this year will be a shame if they miss the playoffs again and get gutted. Looks like it might be a turning point though too. Maybe the silver lining.

[ForeverFlameFan]

For sure it will still be a tough hill to climb, but I am all about trying to squeeze into the playoffs rather than mailing it in.

If we make it, fantastic comeback story. If we don’t, then that’s fine. Use this momentum and come back swingin’ next season.

It will be interesting how our bottom pairing can handle a good few extra shifts every period when Hanifin and Tanev are gone.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I still don’t think it’s about chasing anyone yet. Flames on 88 point pace now. Get to 90 point pace and you’re in the conversation. Get to 95 points and you’re in.

If only there was some visual/graphical/extra crispy way to compare the Flames actual pace versus say this 95 point playoff pace you reference....

[kipperiggy]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

Starting to think Lindholm was part of the "attitude" problem since his old linemates left.

I don't think he wanted to lay it all on the line for his new teammates and vice versa. The top line was never a working as a unit as a result.

Zadorov was part of the noise problem and the rumblings in VAN since being shipped there seems to confirm this.

I think they've got rid of the distractions and passengers and brought in team-first guys to replace them and the buy-in is evident finally.

I was dead wrong for thinking Kadri at the core of the problem when they struggled out of the gate. He found his legs when he got help on his line and never looked back.

Totally agree with all your post but especially the bolded.

Huberdeau is shocked to be traded and has had nothing but an exemplary attitude to the tough situations he's found himself in (trade, biggest points decline in history).

He might never have played a game when we signed him long term, which still maybe wasn't the best move. But in hindsight, I know I'm glad we paid Huberdeau big and not Lindholm. It's starting to pay off now.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

The difference has come down to the Flames' cold start which was essentially a coaching adjustment period over which they were also solidifying their roster and lines. Since the end of October, they're a middle of the pack playoff team.

Completely arbitrary starting point - but after 25 games (early December):
LA 16-5-4 36 points
Calgary 10-12-2 22 points

Since then:
Calgary 19-13-3 41 points
LA 13-14-6 32 points


Kings actually peaked at 16-4-3 so they've been an under 500 team for a while now.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

I think he was upset that the Flames won't meet his salary demand and then just like that, they gave Huberdeau a $10+ M contract.

Which, to a point, is fair enough. I could understand that frustration.

But sulking about it during your contract year is still a really bad plan.

[Jiggy]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

1 point, -5 in his last 5 games.

6 points in 11 games overall with the Canucks.

He has two assists with the Canucks, during the same time Markstrom has 3 assists.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Glassplat

Seriously?……..
Dodging Horse Ranch

I'm embarrassed to say I never followed this story until now. I always like Brent Dodginghorse as a Hitman.