[GT] Season opener: Flames @ Oilers.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

It just hit me.

The Flames are winning this.

One good bounce, Smith holds the fort, they win in OT, everyone is happy. Oilers miss the playoffs. Everyone is happy.

[djsFlames]

I really hope GG does what he needs to as coach in this intermission.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by GGG

I think they have been told don't get caught and are playing defensive. The other lines need to win their battles if the Monohan line is drawing McDavid.

If Gaudreau was told to play defensive, you'd think he'd lay off the blind passes and turnovers.

Clearly GG feels the Flames depth will win them this game, with the line one match up. Lines 2 and 3 have been non-existent and that's the difference IMO

[Dion]

We have em right where we want em!

[Robo]

Maybe I need to grab a Reese peanut butter cup it worked for that gentleman on the tv

[belsarius]

Except for getting caught out the fourth lines looked pretty good. Generated some chances and I think helped ignite the second period pushback. Happy with Tkachuk, he seems even stronger behind the net this year. Brodie is being outclassed by McDavid but I've liked what I've seen out of Hamonic. Flames have felt better and better as the game has gone on. Hopefully Smith keeping them in it gives them the mid period boost to take this third.

[Stay Golden]

The Flames tie this up they are going to frustrate the high powered Greasers.

[Roughneck]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid

Auston Matthews

Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid

Austin Matthews.... he's not even playing in this game but this is our mandate because we're Sportsnet's mindless drones incapable of anything else.

But what about McDavid.

Or Matthews for that matter?

[AC]

Originally Posted by scotty2hotty

Brouwer out there on an offensive zone face off with 30 seconds left.

I dislike our coach.

Oh come on.

That line had just generated a decent chance, and Brouwer battled hard and dove to swipe the puck back to the point on that faceoff. He made a nice play, Bennett fumbled the puck in the high slot.

I get he's been disappointing. But let's try and have some objectivity.

[SportsJunky]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

I really hope GG does what he needs to as coach in this intermission.

That would require that he speak to the team. GG doesn't do that.

Not complaining by the way. I really like Gulutzan.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Yes still in this. One shot and tied. Smith playing great. C'mon fellas!

[kirant]

Originally Posted by Angelino

Only down by one. One shot and two bad periods are erased. Believe!

Given the Flames' general lack of ability to play any opening night (and how poorly they seem to match up against the Oilers' speed), I'll take it.

Smith is doing his best Kiprusoff impression in net. Most other goaltenders for this team would have put them down 3 or 4 at the moment.

Flames were the better team at the end of each period. They aren't dangerous by any stretch of the imagination, but the defensive depth is showing that the Oilers just didn't get many good chances themselves when the Flames are at the top of their game. Even the vaunted McDavid-Draisatl duo weren't able to punch their way through easily.

If the Flames forwards put on some pressure, it could be a good third.

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid

Auston Matthews

Connor McDavid

Connor McDavid

Austin Matthews.... he's not even playing in this game but this is our mandate because we're Sportsnet's mindless drones incapable of anything else.

They're pretty good. But they'll never be 2nd all time in scoring.
Jagr

[JohnnyB]

Still don't think McDavid is the best in the league, but he certainly is the most intimidating in the league. The speed he breaks in with is reminiscent of Bure.

[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by ResAlien

“I’m asking a simple question: if you walked in on Connor McDavid plowing your wife would you try to join in or politely let him finish? What kind of post coital sandwich would you prepare him? Next on Sportsnet we’ll discuss if you should offer McDavid your firstborn immediately upon making eye contact or wait until his heavenly glow envelops your being.”

I lol’d.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Three of those guys have been just fine. And Brouwer and Versteeg have made no more bad plays than the top line. I've noticed Brouwer in the offensive end way more than Monahan or Gaudreau, who had one decent offensive shift (I don't really blames them given the assignment foisted on them).

It doesn't matter if they've been fine. They bring nothing Jankowski can't except they have no upside at all. You win with you in today's NHL. The game is all about speed now and we are slower than molasses up front.

[hockey.modern]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

That would require that he speak to the team. GG doesn't do that.



Not complaining by the way. I really like Gulutzan.

Thought that was only after games?

[Bawbag]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

It just hit me.

The Flames are winning this.

One good bounce, Smith holds the fort, they win in OT, everyone is happy. Oilers miss the playoffs. Everyone is happy.

I feel the same this looks like a smash and grab game

[Savvy27]

Gaudreau has been basically worse than a non-factor. I agree that Versteeg looks off. It feels like the McDavid line never leaves the ice. Not a horrible game other than a bit boring but the Flames are within striking distance so hopefully they make a push here and win this thing. Smith has held the fort... now its time to reward him.

[Dion]

At least our goaltending has started on a good note this far. That has to give the forwards and defence some added confidence going into the 3rd period.

All this Connor McDavid talk can eff off! It gets sickening when he gets talked about repeatedly.