I really wish Brouwer wasn't on this team...
with that said, I am glad that Brouwer has been on the this team the last two games. He has been good these last few - 2 at least, maybe 3 past games.
Him sticking up for Giordano is the right thing to do for sure in that situation. That is what I want to see MORE from the Flames. There is a fine line between being a physical, difficult to play against team that stands together shoulder to shoulder, and an undisciplined team getting goaded into taking penalties so easily (Winnipeg, I am looking at you here).
IMO, Flames have another few steps to take to plant themselves firmly in the 'we won't take that crap, so don't even try it'. This team last year was way too soft I felt, and it showed when teams started playing the Flames physically. Believe in fighting or not, believe in having capable fighters on the team or not, intimidation does play into hockey at this level, and we have heard many players pretty much saying this for a while now (like Backlund saying "we feel 2" taller with McGrattan in the lineup" - NOT insinuating that the Flames should suddenly start signing and playing heavyweights - that era is more than likely over for good).
Yesterday's game was exciting because of all the emotion involved and how you saw two teams battling for those 2 points, not just going through the motions of the system. Brown stepped over the line, and damn sure there should have been a response. Quick was damn sick of Tkachuk in his crease, and decided to try and attempt a double-leg takedown, but instead got his mask ripped off for his trouble... but the intent is the same.
I love it. It makes the Flames (and hockey in general) much more exciting to watch, and viewers like me become that much more invested in the game. No fight was needed - fights aren't always needed - but a statement every now and then is to show the team you are playing - as well as other teams around the league - that you don't cross the line.
Swagger. That is the missing ingredient from this team.
Hartley's playoff team was all about swagger. They had all the toughness in the world, and they played Hartley's system really well, and built up that (unsustainable swagger). Gulutzan now has a much deeper team, but still lacking some size and toughness as compared to SOME teams, and has a system designed for this team that should make them successful. Now they just need to execute a bit better, and build up that swagger. No team wins the cup without swagger.
Hope it comes soon. I think this team is deep enough to really start competing for the cup. They may not be experienced enough, but I do think they are deep enough. Once they start getting that swagger like they did a few seasons ago, a lot of heads will start turning towards the Flames and giving them the nod acknowledging them as one of the contenders.
Brouwer's response helps it along. Winning and sticking up for one another really helps it along. Brouwer earned a stay of execution in my books - not only for sticking up last night, but for looking rather decent on the 4th line the last couple of games. He plays this way most nights, and I will call him an over-paid but important cog, and I will love him.
