[PGT] Fleury a beast tonight, Vegas shuts out Flames 2-0

[TheRealPepman]

Two thoughts:

1. Why are we allergic to winning road games in new arenas (Edmonton, Detroit, and Vegas)? Is this the hockey gods' punishment for our arena issues? Last time we won in a brand new NHL-sized arena, it was during the 2016-17 season when the Flames won their second game ever at the PPG Paints Arena thanks to Kris Versteeg's shootout beauty (1st W happened the year before - I remember that because that was also the last time Flames had Bob Cole on the panel prior to the Flames-Blackhawks classic from a few Saturdays ago)

2. I feel uneasy about our road record. It seems like yesterday when I was in awe of their play on the road. Or maybe that's only because half of our road games were visits to our division rivals, who we usually do awful against? But really, I'm scared that we'd lose more games on the road this year. We did last year. But it was close. That and by the time March rolled around, we just didn't give AF. Had we showed effort during that month, we would have had a winning record outside the Saddledome! Our 2017-18 road record for those curious was 20 wins and 21 losses (combination of regulation and overtime).

[meh]

Oilers creeping one point closer.
That is the worst of it in my opinion.

[Swifty16]

The Flames were shut down by the Knights but I do question the lack of obvious calls and the weak calls on the Flames, including some embellishment by Miller and Eakin. The one that really stands out to me though was the Bennett rush with about 5 min left and he gets cut down in the neutral zone a very obvious call and no penalty. Not the difference in the game but could have been a 6-4 advantage. Meh. Off to AZ.

[robbie111]

Too bad the Flames ran into a hot goalie today.

Glad Stockton won and wow is Schneider ever tearing it up in the AHL. Out of 52 goalies that qualify he is 2nd in GAA at 1.57 and Save Pct at .948

[DeluxeMoustache]

I find it very interesting (and not in a good way) that we have two consecutive games where the only penalties the reffs have called on the opponents are coincidental minors.

I have certainly seen other plays which deserved infractions.

Not saying the Flames lost because of this. Fleury didn’t seem like he was going to let in much. But in terms of momentum, this is surely a killer.

[AC]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

I find it very interesting (and not in a good way) that we have two consecutive games where the only penalties the reffs have called on the opponents are coincidental minors.

I have certainly seen other plays which deserved infractions.

Not saying the Flames lost because of this. Fleury didn’t seem like he was going to let in much. But in terms of momentum, this is surely a killer.

I agree the refs weren't great, especially later in the game. Though the Flames had a PP in the 1st.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by AC

I agree the refs weren't great, especially later in the game. Though the Flames had a PP in the 1st.

Right, right... the Eakin trip. My mistake. Thanks.

Still... c’mon stripes.

[WhiteTiger]

Ah, boo. Oh, well.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by robbie111

wow is Schneider ever tearing it up in the AHL. Out of 52 goalies that qualify he is 2nd in GAA at 1.57 and Save Pct at .948

Good timing, considering the Flames are likely considering bringing in a new backup goalie...

[dissentowner]

I think the biggest issue was the terrible ice. The puck was bouncing like a rubber ball out there and players were tripping on bad ice. For a puck possession team that uses skill and speed that is a tough game to play.

[Blixa]

The refs were bad and for me biggest mistake for were when missed Carriet hit Rittich in head with stick. Minute later vegas got first goal.
Gadreau penalty was also weak one, if you compare the line of the game.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Rittich was solid, he made some really good saves and gave the team a chance.

Brodie had a great game. The skating was non stop and he was making things happen. I thought Hamonic was involved up the ice but he and Hanifin didn't create a lot but were generally good - although the first goal was scored on them I believe and it seemed like poor skating contributed. The rookies played ok.

Top line didn't have their best game - way too long to make plays - Although Lindholm was very good.

Tkachuk Backlund - Bennett still need some time together to increase the chemistry. I thought there was a couple of misreads in the offensive zone where they could've created some better chances. I didn't think they were bad but they didn't create a ton.

Ryan's line was ok. They really need to generate more but they couldn't really cycle the puck effectively.

Jankowski's line seemed to get hemmed in more often than not. You have to give VGK credit though - they played well. Dube had a breakaway.

Overall, CGY weren't bad they just didn't create enough shots and enough dangerous chances. Having said that they had their looks, just couldn't cash in. Just goes to show how performance needs to stay high to win - you can't really be just ok.

[CaptainCrunch]

Its all about the bounce back for me. Losses are going to happen. Not the greatest games are going to happen.



Life does go on.


Its the good teams that bounce back, and don't lose multiple games in a row. I think the Flames have gained 12 points in the last 10 games, and are realistically the second hottest team in the West.


Right now



GF/Game 9th
GA/Game 15th (Smith factor)
Special teams are still a concern


PP 16th

PK 25th


Shots per game 3rd
Shats against per game 4th
Face off wins percentage 7th


Also in terms of the extrapulated playoff pacing.


Calgary is on pace for 97 points. last years wild card spot was at 95 points.


Right now Vegas is the first team outside of the Wildcard race, they're on track for 79 points. For them to get to that 95 points they'd need 36 wins in the final 58 games, which is a 620 pace. Last year there were 7 teams with higher then a .620 winning percentage.


So while I get the Pacific sucks this year, For a Calgary to drop out of a playoff spot right now, they'd have to completely fall apart over the next 3/4 of the season and LV would have to really become elite.

[jlh2640]

Super frustrating game, but move on. This one does not anger me like the Anaheim/MTL or Nsh games that we should have won.

[jlh2640]

Flames need to improve their PK

[heep223]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Its all about the bounce back for me. Losses are going to happen. Not the greatest games are going to happen.



Life does go on.


Its the good teams that bounce back, and don't lose multiple games in a row. I think the Flames have gained 12 points in the last 10 games, and are realistically the second hottest team in the West.


Right now



GF/Game 9th
GA/Game 15th (Smith factor)
Special teams are still a concern


PP 16th

PK 25th


Shots per game 3rd
Shats against per game 4th
Face off wins percentage 7th


Also in terms of the extrapulated playoff pacing.


Calgary is on pace for 97 points. last years wild card spot was at 95 points.


Right now Vegas is the first team outside of the Wildcard race, they're on track for 79 points. For them to get to that 95 points they'd need 36 wins in the final 58 games, which is a 620 pace. Last year there were 7 teams with higher then a .620 winning percentage.


So while I get the Pacific sucks this year, For a Calgary to drop out of a playoff spot right now, they'd have to completely fall apart over the next 3/4 of the season and LV would have to really become elite.

Sneaky snake reference!

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Blixa

The refs were bad and for me biggest mistake for were when missed Carriet hit Rittich in head with stick. Minute later vegas got first goal.
Gadreau penalty was also weak one, if you compare the line of the game.

What was more eyebrow raising was that the soft Gaudreau call was completely against the flow of the game with the Flames bringing their third period push cycling in the Vegas end to start the period. Then they kill the momentum with that and the ensuing goal.

No wonder Vegas is 7-1 or whatever it is with these guys making the calls.

[TheOnlyBilko]

FLEURY is almost always a BEAST. Best goalie in the NHL.

[AC]

Originally Posted by TheOnlyBilko

FLEURY is almost always a BEAST. Best goalie in the NHL.

Well...

.907 SV% (34th in the league)
2.45 GAA (16th in the league)

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by AC

Well...

.907 SV% (34th in the league)
2.45 GAA (16th in the league)

These are largely team stats. If anyone thinks +/- is a no good stat they should immediately stop talking about save percentage