Flames vs. Canucks Game Thread
by Robert Cleave on Mar 14, 2010 4:18 PM PDT
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PrintCalgary Flames at Vancouver Canucks, Mar 14, 2010 7:00 PM PDT
Thursday's outing against the Senators was lackluster, no matter how anyone tries to spin it. Spending much of the night in your own end is tempting fate, no matter how diligent you might be in shot-blocking or how solid your goalie might be. Ending that sort of trend at one game will likely be the responsibility of Jarome Iginla and Rene Bourque, and given how Alain Vigneault arranges his line matches at home, the Flames' first unit will see a snoot full of Ryan Kesler in their attempt to do so. There are nights where a player gets a chance to prove that he belongs in a certain spot, and tonight is surely that type of opportunity for Matt Stajan. Kesler has been excellent all season in neutralizing the best that other squads have to offer, while leaving the easier pickings for the Sedins. The Flames can't lose that match-up if they have hope of winning the game, and one only hopes that the captain reprises his early January effort at the Garage.
If Vigneault does his normal stuff, I'd hope that Sutter ensures that Langkow and Higgins are out against the Sedins, even if it takes a greater degree of bench management than he might prefer. I like the Flames' chances if they can hold off Vancouver's top-six, but if the Sedins are going to dominate, I'd prefer that they had to earn it against a line that can do some good possession work of their own. That would leave Wellwood et al versus the Conroy line, and Glencross and Nystrom against guys like Darcy Hordichuk and Rick Rypien. If those sort of head-to-heads can be worked out, I'd like the odds of Calgary's bottom six coming out the better.
The Herald hints that Adam Pardy might have an outing tonight, which makes me wonder if one of the shot-blocking types from Thursday needs a game off. Should the regular six go, Ian White will get a good test of his ability against top end forwards, since Robyn Regehr has habitually faced the Sedins over the years. Whatever pair gets Kesler might have the toughest job of all, of course.
Miikka Kiprusoff will start this evening. His last visit to the Lower Mainland resulted in a 3-2 Flames' win, despite the efforts of a yahoo in the audience. With tomorrow's B2B versus the Wings as much of a must-win as any other game, I'd guess he plays both nights. Toskala might get a game this week, although it does seem tough to find a spot to fit him in.
The Canucks had every chance to come back to the pack with a 14 game stretch away from home. They didn't, posting an 8-5-1 record on their Olympic-fueled voyage, and that solid performance has them on the inside track for consecutive division crowns. Their top-six has been outstanding this season, with Mikael Samuelsson and Mason Raymond adding strong complimentary play to Sedin, Sedin, Kesler and Burrows. As I mentioned up top, Ryan Kesler does the heavy lifting most nights for Vancouver, and he's been the key to the Canucks' good year. If you ever wanted an object lesson on why looking at a player's numbers in context is valuable, go no further than number 17 on the bad guys. His mainstream +/- is +3, but he plays the opposition's best, starts in his own end more often than not, and the result is no worse than a saw-off. The Sedins have taken advantage of this easing of their burden to smack around the weak to the greater benefit of the team.
The Canucks D is a bit of a patchwork with Willie Mitchell on the shelf for the duration, although Kevin Bieksa did return to the line-up in last night's 5-1 win over Ottawa. Penalty machine Shane O' Brien will sit in favour of newly acquired Andrew Alberts, which is a shame for Calgary, since O' Brien was the one Canuck that would likely even up the PP chances. As you might expect, Roberto Luongo will be in net for Vancouver.
That Canuck PP might well be the difference maker this evening. Vancouver has had 276 PP chances to 263 PK, or 13 extra chances with the man-advantage. They're also in the top five percentage-wise when a man to the good. Calgary is 221 PP/262 PK, or -41, and have a poor PP % to boot. I'm thinking staying out of the box would be a plan, no? The other key is to not let the Sedins get off easy. Sutter needs to get his top-six out there against the Canucks' best, hope they can do a job, and let his foot soldiers out-duel Vancouver's third and fourth lines.
Game time is 8 MT on Sportsnet West.
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The 4 game win streak has been nice, but look at the last 10 played by the teams 3 through 10 in the conference. Other than LA, the Flames have gained no more than a point on any of them (and lost ground to a couple). At the rate teams are going right now, 95 points may not be enough. Things can change, but boy the Flames better keep winning games.
Nucks Misconduct Style Prediction.
Nucks 13 Flames 0
Burrows FTW
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 14, 2010 4:54 PM PDT reply actions
too early to tell for sure but atdhe.net and justin.tv often have decent streaming feeds…
by walkinvisible on Mar 14, 2010 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ve been waiting for this game since the last time we met and we need these two points badly with Nashville winning today.
But we’ll only going away with one point.
Canucks 4
Flames 3
VAN: D.Sedin, Raymond, Salo, Kesler
CGY: Iginla, Glencross, Hagman
But I believe this game could also be the Flames if they get on the Canucks early. I don’t care if they have a lot of comeback victories that’s what the Flames have to do & Don’t take dumb penalties.
I have a man crush on Rene Bourque.
GO FLAMES GO!!!
burrows is more likely to cry. but van is more likley to win.
by walkinvisible on Mar 14, 2010 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Welcome to the site, mr. Chillgoose. May your honking bring us a win.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Whoa, This sure sucks for Chicago
http://www.hendrickshockey.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2321:committedindians&catid=40:the-rumors&Itemid=86
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 14, 2010 7:03 PM PDT reply actions
I’m really surprised people put up with Ovechkin’s shit. This is worse then the Cooke hit, the Richards hit, and Ryan Kesler.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions
And I’m willing to bet that DGB and you are right. Until they make an example of someone, it’s going to continue.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions
That was completely Staios’ fault. Dumb pinch, and then lazy getting back.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
1-0 Assholes
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Sarich has really improved since getting Gio as his partner. Now we just need to get rid if Staios and the D will be perfect.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
*Of
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions
whats ur beef with steady steve azevedo
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 14, 2010 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Im telling you threres tilde issues on sb nation
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 14, 2010 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I would be perfectly fine with the Staios trade IF he was a UFA at the end of the season… not a 2.7 million cap hit for another year
^This is my beef.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
“like” they forgot the start time. Yikes.
by Robert Cleave on Mar 14, 2010 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s the daylight savings time hangover.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Like WTF? They got to go home for two weeks! That’s not a 14 game road trip, that’s a 8 and a 6 game road trip.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Even without Staios, the Flames would have been very hard-pressed to give Marleau the money he’s gonna want.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
And there’s your “Bullshit Call On Gio” for the night.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
i’m totally serious here:
toskala in the second. rotate players in to a conroy/moss/staios setup and then you can put dawes/backlund/pardy and kippy in for the big win tomorrow.
..okay, MOSTLY serious
(w.i)
Let’s do it! Better then the shit that is out there tonight.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
He’s gotta do something semi-competent.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Alberta wins Brier with a draw, needing to catch some of the button in an extra end for those that care.
Yeah, sorry Kip. Not our night. Put Toskala on.
And why is fucking Staios out there?
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
But we had 2 better d-men on the bench.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m not saying pull kipper because he isn’t sharp… I’m saying we’re screwed, and we don’t want him tired or hurt
Yup. It would be a straight mercy pull at this point.
by Robert Cleave on Mar 14, 2010 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions
no I understand that. I’m not saying that either. I’m saying the shots are 18-6, we should just f*ing forefit at this point. These guys are shit, I don’t know how they can stand to be embarrased like this.
I guess my comment was more of a joke. We need a coaching decision where you can swap players when they suck, like you can swap goalies when they do.
Had it all the way, Lawrence. And that joke is still a better idea than anything that we’ve seen from behind the bench thus far, or from the alleged combatants in white and red for that matter. Sad stuff.
by Robert Cleave on Mar 14, 2010 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I couldn’t believe it when the Canucks 4th line iced it and Butter decided to leave the Flames 4th line on the ice. This was with the Flames down by one. I was incredulous.
I remarked about that above…the importance of that face off, especially a minute after you’ve been scored on-it is just dumbfounding.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Go Canucks Go :-)
I didn’t catch anything except the last two minutes of the first. Everyone at NM are peeing their pantaloons. Were the Canucks that good, or was Calgary that bad? I guess it depends on perspective…
I didn’t see that coming at all. After the Canucks destroyed Ottawa last night, I thought they were due for a let-down. wow.
The Flames were pure suckage. The Canucks have taken advantage of that.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Not sure if you guy saw
but Sean and Mike from NM are donated 5 cents per comment to the Canucks For Kids foundation.
There’s a bunch of people just commenting with “nickel” for lulz. All your comments are welcome.
The game tonight may be over, but they need to focus on tomorrow. I’m gonna go pleh me some NHL 10 where the Flames will win the division. (I can dream.)
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
I will try.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Rejected by both teams. So sad.
Go Flames Go
Goals? Where we're going, we don't need goals.
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 14, 2010 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions
This is hiliarious. AV is now sending out his THIRD line against the Iginla unit and they’re WINNING.
This team sure knows how to push the Flames around.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 8:09 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I honestly think that the first Vancouver goal rattled the Flames. They just seemed to be making one scrambly, poorly-thought out play after another for the entire first period.
It irks the crap out of me how teams like Phoenix and LA can drastically improve over two years and the Flames are still fighting for the 8th spot.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 8:17 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
It’s what they do. Might as well hate a dog for pissing on a tree, I’m afraid.
by Robert Cleave on Mar 14, 2010 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Picking up solid, young prospects (either through the draft or through trades) can go a long way to improving a team over time. I honestly think that playing in a market with zero fan/media pressure helps too.
That’s what happens when you have Darryl “Last Piece Of The Puzzle” Sutter at the helm making idiotic trades on a regular basis.
by SmellOfVictory on Mar 14, 2010 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought his first couple of months were pretty solid, but then he seemed to just disappear. I wonder if not getting selected to Team Canada had anything to do with it
I think it’s more getting saddled with Sarich/Staios and then being sent out in difficult situations.
I think playing in Florida all those years had a lot to do with it.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 8:33 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
And no Kotalik on the point. They’ve completely given up on that.
by Robert Cleave on Mar 14, 2010 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions
It might have made it through the Florida trip, but not past that.
by Robert Cleave on Mar 14, 2010 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Ugh how did Stajan not score there!?!?
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 8:35 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Tosk is also much better than McBackup.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 8:39 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Being in the eastern time zone, I may have to write the third period off and call it a night.
As much as every game for the Flames is critical at this point, and as much as losing to Vancouver is the worst thing in the world, tomorrow night is the game that’s really going to matter. If the Flames win it, they are still very much in the run. If they lose it, they will be in danger of falling into longshot territory.
Tad expensive for a 3rd pair defensive d-man, but at least he’s doing a good job of it.
by SmellOfVictory on Mar 14, 2010 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I like it when Robyn scores. ; p
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 9:13 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Well, it’s been all Calgary since the first. Playing to score, I know, but if they’d been anything like this in the initial 20, this is a different contest altogether.
IMO, we can hang with VAN in a 7 game series.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 9:18 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I thought we acquired Kotalik for PP moments like this…please correct me if I’m wrong…
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 9:28 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
So I can constantly say: Kotalik my balls Daz.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 9:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
yup and I thought we aqquired Oli to be our #1 center, drafted Dion to be our franchise d-man, signed bouwmeester to be #1 pairing defencemen…. list goes on
I hate to say it but I really am starting to like the Toskola pick up. He hasn’t been bad at all… hes been pretty good actually
don’t get hopes high he only face 8 shots tonight
by MetallicIronDeth on Mar 14, 2010 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s actually the only trade I liked cause McBackup had no biznass being in the NHL.
"Where do you go from here, Dion?" "I go to Toronto."
Spreading that Calgary Flames, Montreal Expos, The U, and Orlando Magic love.
by KingJafi on Mar 14, 2010 9:41 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Chances were 5-2 in that period for Calgary. 15-6 in the last couple. I’ll go through the first tonight and have them up tomorrow.
I’m not angry about tonight.
Just wish that 1st period didn’t happen, hopefully this can carry over to tomorrow night and I’m almost positive they will.
Another thought.
That F’ing Lu chant they Lu when Hagman puts the puck right over the Luongo and he didn’t even touch it.
Whatever not angry, everyone gets some sleep tomorrow could be the Flames Game 7 of the season.
I have a man crush on Rene Bourque.
GO FLAMES GO!!!
well, they were also chanting “Kipp-er” even when he was the only one keeping it respectable.
chalk it up to the laser-toting demographic.
it’s true, the fans in the building will give Lu credit anytime a puck comes withing 4 feet of the goal and doesn’t go in.
by Passive Voice on Mar 14, 2010 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions
What else would they do? It’s their team and they were scoring in bunches. I think same thing would have happened in the Dome if the situation was reversed. Anyway nice push by Flames in the last two period. Hopefully they carry it into tomorrow’s game and burn the Wings.
by MetallicIronDeth on Mar 14, 2010 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions
I have trashed talked PPP and Nuck fans a lot, but I take it all back. I just creeped Japers’ rink and my god I have never seen a larger group of uneducated tools with chips on their shoulders. Looking forward to the flames playing the caps with an OV suspension looming
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 14, 2010 10:01 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
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