This will be the second time these two teams will play each other in the playoffs. It was 39 years ago in the 3rd round, the Stars (North Stars) won the series 4-2.
I predict the second and third lines will have to be excellent in this series in order for the Flames to move forward. First line doesn’t need to come out ahead in a heavy series like this, they just can’t get dominated. If the 4th line can contribute a bit, that’ll go a long way to help the team win this series.
Not expecting Talbot to out duel Bishop, but if he does, boy that would make things a lot easier.
I hope my coworkers arent expecting any productivity out of me this afternoon because its not happening. I got up at 6:15am but my day doesnt really start until 3:30pm.
This will be the second time these two teams will play each other in the playoffs. It was 39 years ago in the 3rd round, the Stars (North Stars) won the series 4-2.
I remember Flames fans had Dino Flintstone dolls hanging from a rope and stick to jeer and mock Dino Ciccarelli.
Bobby Smith, Steve Payne and Ciccarelli were deadly in those playoffs
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This will be the second time these two teams will play each other in the playoffs. It was 39 years ago in the 3rd round, the Stars (North Stars) won the series 4-2.
I think it was Steve Payne who killed them that year.
The Stars, despite their reputation and name-power representing the opposite, have become a heavily defensive, risk-averse, team under Rick Bowness, lending this to be not the most exciting series anyone will watch if expecting run-and-gun versus crash-and-bang. This should be a complete grind.
Similar to the Jets in result not execution, the Flames will face a Stars' defensive corps that doesn't move the puck out of their own zone with any degree of possession. However, unlike the Jets, the Stars do this completely intentionally as at the first sign of pressure they are coached to be more than willing to punt and re-group, while the Jets did so out of inability and desperation. Even the forwards on the Stars are directed to get the puck out of the zone in any manner possible under any sign of pressure - more so than arguably any other team in the league.
Once out of the zone, the Stars stack their blue line and try to force their opponents into frustration-induced high-risk plays, looking to capitalize the other way.
But, even in transition the Stars avoid East-West play at any hint of risk, preferring chip-and-chase or bad-angle rebound-seeking shots instead of risking being stripped of the puck or having passes intercepted. So long as the Flames avoid too many odd-man rushes as they did wonderfully against the Jets, the Stars will have trouble creating at even strength.
The neutral zone will likely be a mine field as each team looks to navigate to the other team's end without creating an odd-man rush the other way. Smart play and composure will be key aspects to watch for and expect. I like Rasmus Andersson's composure and passing ability to create some speed there for the Flames.
In the end, I like the Flames' skill players having more authority for creativity than their Stars' counterparts resulting in the Flames grinding out a low-scoring, slowed-paced, series win.
Flames in 6
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Last edited by united; 08-11-2020 at 05:37 PM.
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"Khudobin split time in the Stars’ net with Ben Bishop this season but Bishop was deemed “unfit to play” in the two of the three round-robin games Dallas played last week. Bishop will back up Khudobin in Game 1."
That win last night moves Calgary to a 63% favourite to win the series according to The Athletic. Before yesterday’s game they were listed as having a 44% chance.
Winning the first game of a series is so important.
Have to wonder if Bishop will be back in tomorrow, or if he's still "unfit to play". Seems weird that he would be unfit, yet he would back up Khudobin.
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Originally Posted by snipetype
k im just not going to respond to your #### anymore because i have better things to do like #### my model girlfriend rather then try to convince people like you of commonly held hockey knowledge.
Have to wonder if Bishop will be back in tomorrow, or if he's still "unfit to play". Seems weird that he would be unfit, yet he would back up Khudobin.
The Stars fans were saying that he/the team is unhappy with his mobility since returning from injury (groin?) So while he could play if needed, he is not yet at full capability. I would imagine we will see him at some point in this series.
He's probably at higher risk of a relapse right now, so its not worth starting him, but still able to play so they're dressing him and hoping they don't need him yet.
must show all Flames games nationally when they play on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays !!!
