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The way you build a consistent contending team (despite some post-season shortcomings) is by building a capable roster. The St. Louis Blues have a team like that. The Flames looked like a team who might have some serious issues if they happen to be the eighth seed and the Blues secure first in the west. But hey, Joe Colborne had a strong game!
First Period -
The Flames needed to come into tonight's game cautious, calculated, and quick. For a few moments it looked that way but quickly changed. They were fortunate to get some offensive zone time early on in the period but it would be limited. Given the Blues depth on forward, their ability to obstruct the neutral zone and prevent zone entries was a prevalent theme in the opening frame.
That said, Joe Colborne has probably one of the best zone entries I've seen from him this season getting a shot off. The slow chipping away at finding holes in the Blues' deployment and formations was limited. Off an errant line change and turnover, Ryan Reaves broke in and got one of the Blues' first quality chances.
The lack of whistles and stoppages in play allowed Hitchcock to continuously match lines and dictate play. Frustration would boil over briefly as Mikael Backlund would take the game's first penalty sending a fourth ranked PP to their first opportunity of the game. The Blues would only get off one shot though as Colborne would attempt to dangle around Alex Steen.
Late in the period, Reaves would crush Matt Stajan along the boards. Brandon Bollig knew it was his time to shine as he got in a hugging match with Reaves. Bollig is currently the league's top ranked hugger.
Period Observations:
- I would rather go see the new Fast and Furious movie than watch Bollig play anymore this season. That fight sure changed momentum.
- Hitchcock played the first period like a chess match that he assumed was the third period. It was systematic and calculated. Hartley tried to match but often enough a chip and chase game isn't going to work.
- The five forward first power play unit for the Blues was interesting. It didn't find success on the first man advantage but it looked capable.
- Shots 8-6 for the visitors.
- Gaudreau's ability to just fearlessly enter a zone and start a play has been crucial this season. The focus of getting to the puck carried in over dumped in has incredible upside over the latter. More of the younger players are embracing this.
- Matt Stajan showed no ill effects of the hit from Reaves. He had a decent chance throwing the pass in front towards Michael Ferland. He should be on the third line. Matt Stajan had two decent periods of play.
- Positioning and actually reading the play is still a hindrance of the defense for this team. Communication is improving through the pairings a bit but it's not where it could be.
- Calgary outshout the Blues 11-10 in the period. They trailed in shots heading into the third period 18-17.
- The risk Hartley took with eight-plus minutes left in the third, down three goals is a goddamn wild card. What he did was deploy Lance Bouma on that power play. I get the obsession with trying to squeeze as much offense out of Bouma. I do. He's been putting up killer numbers but deploying a much more capable Mikael Backlund may have been a better option in my book.
- There is always this chatter by the media that fighting generates momentum? They generated three shot attempts to the Blues' three shot attempts in the five minute window of the fighting majors. Momentum my ass.
- Mikael Backlund's penalty he took was unnecessary. He redeemed himself by working his keester off all night. It sucks that his point streak had to end tonight but I was genuinely impressed with how he played. Re-sign him ASAP. Every game he performs exceptionally is just making him more expensive.
- Jiri Hudler and his kids got shutdown. How? Systems deployed by Ken Hitchcock. For every successful zone entry was stifled and combative. Besides the Stastny penalty and fighting major, it was very disciplined. Though I feel like St. Louis was comfortable with taking the fighting penalty and a possibility of an instigator if it happened.
- Mason Raymond should shoot more. Waiting for a perfect shot isn't going to happen. I'm still a huge fan of Raymond and I think his contract is a good one. If he can find some more consistency long-term, the value will increase.
- Final shots: 26-25 for St. Louis. As usual you saw Calgary blocking an abundant 21 shots though it's worth noting St. Louis had an alarming 18 too.
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