[Game Takes] Oilers 3 Flames 2

[Itse]

McDavid playing for that s***stain of a franchise is in my absolutely honest opinion a permanent black mark on the NHL drafting system, and it significantly hurt my interest in the game.

That's not hyperbole, it's actually how I feel.

[Jeff Lebowski]

I thought CGY played faster- transition was up ice instantly. Instead of the pass back regroup.

Once they went up 2-1 they sat back. Also life was not difficult for Smith - he was square and set but CGY did have traffic but make him move side to side, make him have to make 2,3 saves immediately (where he's down then has to get back up).

Don't mean to nitpick but CGY a tiny bit sloppy with puck too. But the biggest issue was sitting back and giving up the blueline.

With a goalie that handles the puck either don't let him get to dumps (don't dump or put it outside trapezoid) or take away his time and space.

CGY issues were sitting back in shell (giving up room), tad sloppy play and not making it difficult for opponent goalkeeper.

But again positive was faster play - other good things will come off this if they keep up speed and aggressive (don't sit back) play.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Bingo

asked on twitter last night if Edmonton fans felt like we did/do with Gretzky/McDavid when Iginla was in his prime?

Iginla was a great player, but not that level.

Really when you look at it there are only a few franchises that have had multiple generational players.

Edmonton - Gretzky, Messier?, McDavid (Draisaitl)
Pittsburgh - Lemieux, Jagr, Crosby (Malkin)
Colorado - Sakic, Forsberg?, McKinnon (Roy)
Detroit - Howe, Yzerman

Calgary has never had that guy.

Last night I thought Calgary played it well until they stacked a line with two players, and then it just kind of felt inevitable.

Those Colorado players are great but I wouldn’t call them generational. I’d say the list is two teams, Edmonton and Pitt and that’s if McDavid is generational. He probably is.

I agree with the spirit of what you’re saying, Flames have not had the most elite of superstars. But the 1989 team had four HHOFers in their prime (Mullen, Nieuwendyk, Macinnis and Gilmour), and several on the edge of being worthy Loob, Vernon, Fleury, Suter). And they traded another one away in Hull. And of course Lanny as the leader.

What a team.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Those Colorado players are great but I wouldn’t call them generational. I’d say the list is two teams, Edmonton and Pitt and that’s if McDavid is generational. He probably is.

I agree with the spirit of what you’re saying, Flames have not had the most elite of superstars. But the 1989 team had four HHOFers in their prime (Mullen, Nieuwendyk, Macinnis and Gilmour), and several on the edge of being worthy Loob, Vernon, Fleury, Suter). And they traded another one away in Hull. And of course Lanny as the leader.

What a team.

I remember watching a lead against Edmonton in the 80s tense when Gretzky was getting his engine warmed up.

That's the world again now with McDavid.

I don't think Edmonton fans have ever had to go through that with a Calgary team.

Calgary has a big win % in the BOA, so it's not like Edmonton fans have had an easy ride, but they get beat by teams, not players specifically.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I remember watching a lead against Edmonton in the 80s tense when Gretzky was getting his engine warmed up.

That's the world again now with McDavid.

I don't think Edmonton fans have ever had to go through that with a Calgary team.

Calgary has a big win % in the BOA, so it's not like Edmonton fans have had an easy ride, but they get beat by teams, not players specifically.

Can confirm.

Though i will say that this iteration of best player with the Oilers doesnt give me nearly as much angst as those back then (cause they could kill you with muktiple guys). Last night though...yup...just had that feeling all game long he would be the difference. He was.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Bingo

I remember watching a lead against Edmonton in the 80s tense when Gretzky was getting his engine warmed up.

That's the world again now with McDavid.

I don't think Edmonton fans have ever had to go through that with a Calgary team.

Calgary has a big win % in the BOA, so it's not like Edmonton fans have had an easy ride, but they get beat by teams, not players specifically.

Difference is good teams are having no trouble beating the Oilers these days. They’re not the powerhouse that Gretzky played for. That team would never get beat the way the Leafs just toyed with them.

This version of the Oilers has so many weaknesses to be exploited.

[Willi Plett]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Difference is good teams are having no trouble beating the Oilers these days. They’re not the powerhouse that Gretzky played for. That team would never get beat the way the Leafs just toyed with them.

This version of the Oilers has so many weaknesses to be exploited.

Yes but really have to expect to score at least 3 goals to win. There is no doubt the Oilers strength is in McDavid and Drai and the ability to create offense. If you have held them to 2 goals, you’ve done a great job in my opinion and 3 goals is not unlikely. Can you win 2-1? Sure. Likely? I don’t think so. Need good defense, great goaltending, and enough offense.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Bingo

asked on twitter last night if Edmonton fans felt like we did/do with Gretzky/McDavid when Iginla was in his prime?

Iginla was a great player, but not that level.

Really when you look at it there are only a few franchises that have had multiple generational players.

Edmonton - Gretzky, Messier?, McDavid (Draisaitl)
Pittsburgh - Lemieux, Jagr, Crosby (Malkin)
Colorado - Sakic, Forsberg?, McKinnon (Roy)
Detroit - Howe, Yzerman

Calgary has never had that guy.

Last night I thought Calgary played it well until they stacked a line with two players, and then it just kind of felt inevitable.

Montreal, with Richard, Harvey, Beliveau, Robinson, and Lafleur, say hi.

But yes, the great players have congregated largely on a few teams.

None the less, the Flames own the franchise series pretty handily.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Montreal, with Richard, Harvey, Beliveau, Robinson, and Lafleur, say hi.

But yes, the great players have congregated largely on a few teams.

None the less, the Flames own the franchise series pretty handily.

Didn't Montreal have a Quebec born player advantage though? Or is that urban legend?

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Didn't Montreal have a Quebec born player advantage though? Or is that urban legend?

Mostly urban legend. There are some good articles and books on it, it you ever have some time to kill.