[PGT] Flames lost 2-0 to the Jets

[icarus]

How many third period comebacks has this team had this season? Not sure what the stats bear out, but they sure do seem to lack a push back element that we've seen at times in past seasons.

The scoring has dried up of late. Top two lines not producing and not much scoring from the blueline either.

What a difference from the last time we played the Jets.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by icarus

How many third period comebacks has this team had this season? Not sure what the stats bear out, but they sure do seem to lack a push back element that we've seen at times in past seasons...

And this is a little weird if you ask me because one of the noticeable great improvements of this season is how well this team plays with a lead in the third period. Why there urgency(?) in one instance but not in another?

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

I learned from the game thread tonight that the Flames can't beat teams below them. And also that they can't beat teams above them.

Good to know.

that is why they have zero wins this season...playoff teams win games apparently

[djsFlames]

What may sink the Flames' season is their inability on nights where they're not quite 'at their best' to be able to at least tie up those games (like tonight) and pick up an extra time point.

Point(s) were within reach and they couldn't come up with an answer. The differential was just one for a very large amount of time for the Flames to deadlock it and maybe both sides play it into OT to guarantee points.

I had a sinking feeling watching the rather large drop off in their compete level from friday to saturday that they might not come in ready to play what is an absolutely crucial week.

Disappointing for sure but you could sort of see it coming. Gaudreau and Monahan haven't been the "top" guys for a couple weeks and it was only a matter of time before Backlund's line wouldn't be able to substitute for them offensively.

I put this game on the top two d-men and top two forwards. All they had to do was find a way to pot one in that second period. Couldn't come through and do what they're paid to do for this team - produce.

[djsFlames]

Also make that another vote for Monahan back with Versteeg and Gaudreau with Bennett. It worked during the winning streak. Monahan and Versteeg have chemistry. And Gaudreau only helps Bennett. Spread out the offense so that at least one of those lines end up with very favourable matchups. I think GG tried to fix something that wasn't broke when he took them off those lines. It hasn't worked since, really only on the PP.

Edit: Also Gaudreau is slipping back into his October habits. Trying to do too much and be too fancy. The kid needs to simplify his game and play off instinct, which is what he did for about 15-20 games there before regressing to slump form which has made him turnover machine from trying too hard/thinking too much with not enough production to make up for it. When he's on his game he's thinking two steps ahead of everyone, and making decisions with that speed. Right now the opposition is being able to keep up with his decision making speed. Again though, I think the key there is instinct.

[Karl]

I hope GG goes with this on Wednesday:

67-11-19

13-93-39

79-23-10

17-18-64


5-7

27-6

61-29

31

[DeluxeMoustache]

^ use of numbers instead of names is annoying. Even if you know them.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Karl

What's been up with Ferland lately? I don't mind the fact that he's not scoring much because he may never be much of a scorer, but what's with his numerous brutal turnovers the last number of games??

Trying to put on a show in front of family maybe. He's only a good player if he keeps things simple as he's just not a very skilled player.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Trying to put on a show in front of family maybe. He's only a good player if he keeps things simple as he's just not a very skilled player.

He's being given more minutes with Brouwer out. Not Brouwer's minutes, but more. More minutes = more responsibility. Showing us why he was so good when he plays on the 4th line. Limited Ferland is awesome Ferland.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Need to see more hate-to-lose from this team. Where is that fire when down a goal or two?

Tkachuk is the only skater who has consistently shown this.

That's the frustrating part for me the past 2 seasons. What ever happened to the comeback kids? The teams where when the Flames were down 2 goals, it was exactly where we wanted them? You just knew they would turn it on and make a huge push. That completely disappeared the last couple seasons. Now were down a goal or 2 and it's like a massive mountain to climb.

Probably has something to do with the system they play in. But god damn I miss the fire this team had a couple seasons ago when they were down on the scoreboard.

[Bingo]

Given the Backlund line getting owned last night, maybe it's time for a full shake up ...

Tkachuk - Monahan - Versteeg
Gaudreau - Backlund - Chiasson
Ferland - Bennett - Frolik

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Given the Backlund line getting owned last night, maybe it's time for a full shake up ...

Tkachuk - Monahan - Versteeg
Gaudreau - Backlund - Chiasson
Ferland - Bennett - Frolik

No thanks. Every line has an off night once in a while. Gotta keep the Backlund line together, as they have great chemistry and they've been our only consistent line all year. Gulutzan just needs to split up Gaudreau and Monahan to get them going. It worked before and it can work again.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by direwolf

No thanks. Every line has an off night once in a while. Gotta keep the Backlund line together, as they have great chemistry and they've been our only consistent line all year. Gulutzan just needs to split up Gaudreau and Monahan to get them going. It worked before and it can work again.

That's true if you lose a game like the Vancouver game. You roll with it.

When you lose a game like last night, you shake things up. No one, not even Holy St Backlund, the advanced stats darling, could get anything going.

[Toonage]

50/50 on line changing, especially the one that is working. Won't matter in a week or so when Brouwer is back and they go back to Versteeg-Monahan-Brouwer on top and move Gaudreau back to being with Bennett & Chiasson.

[Bingo]

love the line, no doubt about it

but when you have two stalled lines, a third line playing like a first, and a good fourth line you're in trouble; especially with a shaky third pairing.