[PGT] Caps 1 Flames 2

[Itse]

That was a good game from the Flames. Seems to me if they can keep this going, it's just a matter of time before the depth scoring starts to come.

As for the PP,

Spoiler!

I think Versteeg gets piled on for a systematic problem. If the PK focuses on covering Gaudreau and Monahan, that only leaves Versteeg and Brodie to shoot the puck (since Brouwer is at the front of the net) and neither is that dangerous. As it's somewhat dangerous for the lone D to shoot (as a blocked shot can easily create a breakaway or even a 2 on 1 the other way), Versteeg is often left as the only guy who can at least try to create a turnover. But he's playing on the wrong side for that role.

I don't get why the Flames play Gaudreau and Versteeg on those sides. Swapping them around would make both more dangerous. I'm guessing the idea is to make it easier for them to protect the puck, and sure the Flames PP is very good at keeping the puck in the zone and in control. The point of PP however is not to create zone time but to get the puck in the net. Besides the whole point of having someone like Gaudreau is that he can handle pressure from the PK.

Anyway, enough with that tangent.

A solid home win should do good for team spirit.

Really encouraging to see Smith look so consistent.

Great to see Kulak have such a good game. Bartkowski hasn't been as bad as many (like me) feared, but this was definitely a step up. Ferland seems to be finding his groove on the first line.

I feel all lines had pretty good games, if not great. I felt 3M was somewhat quiet, but really just in comparison to their usual level.

Washington didn't forecheck as hard as some other teams we've played, that seems to suit us well.

It's somewhat worrying that a team that's supposed to be all about depth is currently the team that's most dependent on one guy when it comes to offense. That said, Gaudreau now tied for 4th in league points. That's value for money.

[camm13]

Good team win!

But some serious shuffling needs to happen to every line cept the Monahan line. nothing is going offensively for those lines. And that first unit PP is still depressing to watch.

[FlamesNation23]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

So now what happens when jagr is back?

Hopefully hamilton sent down because noone will claim him. Janko is playing well and I hope to god he isnt sent down.

[zamler]

Originally Posted by gargamel

Other than in the shootout win, Gaudreau has the assist on every game winner except the one he scored himself.

Slacker, can't even get an assist on his own goal.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by FlamesNation23

Hopefully hamilton sent down because noone will claim him. Janko is playing well and I hope to god he isnt sent down.

Or Glass. Take your pick.

[FlamesNation23]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

So now what happens when jagr is back?

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Or Glass. Take your pick.

I'm okay with glass too but he arguably has a bigger role on this team than hamilton

[Infinit47]

Great team game. No complaints at all. Sure seems like Washington is struggling with that new dcore.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by FlamesNation23

I'm okay with glass too but he arguably has a bigger role on this team than hamilton

I agree but Janko trumps both, hopefully he is up for good.

[TheAlpineOracle]

Well that was a bit better. PP still needs work. Need to replace Brouwer and Versteeg. I’m sure Jagr will replace Brouwer, but Versteeg just does not get it done on the point.

[heep223]

Sometimes you gotta give credit where credit is due - complete and utter domination by the Flames all night. Anyone saying otherwise is looking for a reason to be negative. Yes Caps were back to back but Grubauer played fantastic. Flames hit multiple posts and Caps goal was the result of a fortuitous bounce. Could have easily been 4-0.

Only sore spot is the 4th line. Always hemmed in.

Schedule seems weird this year with lots of games in short spurts and then long breaks.

GFG

[dino7c]

Janko played good tonight

that is 2 good and 2 poor for me...don't think it would be a travesty like some however I would rather Hamilton go down

[SuperMatt18]

Glass should be the one IMO.

Hamilton is more versatile and as a 14th forward he does a good job of bringing energy when he’s in he lineup.

Glass had a good preseason and made he team but he has been invisible in the regular season, he won’t get claimed and should be sent down.

Liked the look of the team tonight - probably the most well rounded 60 minute effort of the season.

First line just dominated all night.

[shogged]

convincing win, lets hope they can string a few together now

[Rhettzky]

Shankapotamus?

[kevman]

Originally Posted by heep223

Only sore spot is the 4th line. Always hemmed in.

GFG

I thought they generated some decent chances tonight and Brouwer looked great.

It seemed to me that the 3M line struggled a bit tonight but maybe that's just because I have such high expectations for them.

I do wonder if Bennett will ever score again. He was noticeable all night, mostly good, but just can't seem to find the back of the net.

[handgroen]

good times ahead if we can get that shooting percentage up too, whole team looks a tad snake bit. liked what i saw from kulak tonight.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by camm13

Good team win!

But some serious shuffling needs to happen to every line cept the Monahan line. nothing is going offensively for those lines. And that first unit PP is still depressing to watch.

3M is on pace for combined 55 goals. Last season they had 52. They're fine, it's the bottom 6 and the blueline that are the problem with lack of scoring. Giordano and Hamilton only have 2 goals so far.

That said the current 3rd and 4th lines haven't been in place for that long, I'd give them a few games. Plus they'll have Jagr in there somewhere soon enough, so that'll change something.

[Frank MetaMusil]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Glass should be the one IMO.

Hamilton is more versatile and as a 14th forward he does a good job of bringing energy when he’s in he lineup.

Glass had a good preseason and made he team but he has been invisible in the regular season, he won’t get claimed and should be sent down.

Liked the look of the team tonight - probably the most well rounded 60 minute effort of the season.

First line just dominated all night.

I'd waive Glass, Freddie, and Bartkowski. Bring up Hathaway who was ripping it up with Janko in Stockton and call it a day.

[calf]

Originally Posted by Rhettzky

Shankapotamus?

Why aren't we paying more attention to this? Shankapotamus is one of the greatest nicknames I've heard.

[Jore]

Originally Posted by kevman

I thought they generated some decent chances tonight and Brouwer looked great.

It seemed to me that the 3M line struggled a bit tonight but maybe that's just because I have such high expectations for them.

I do wonder if Bennett will ever score again. He was noticeable all night, mostly good, but just can't seem to find the back of the net.

the fourth line were the only forwards who got outshot and outchanced tonight, by a huge margin. 1-3 of them on any given night can't keep up to the nhl pace. it's beyond time to sit and waive some of these players.

otherwise, as has already been said, a great team effort. more of their shots should start to go in soon, they have a comically low shooting percentage right now. on the other hand, smith has played really well. hope he can keep his play at a high level over the season