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**Update - It appears that both Juri Hudler and Roman Cervenka could be ready for their Flames debut on Saturday night against the Edmonton Oilers.
Tonight’s game against the Vancouver Canucks will break a two game losing streak for one of the two teams, and also push the another(Vancouver) to an 0 and 3 start to the season. This is an important game for both sides, as they try to get on the winning side of the score sheet.
Before playing Vancouver, we can assess our previous games played so far and try to determine how they might affect the outcome of tonight’s game. If we compare the game versus Anaheim, a win tonight could arguably be in favor of the Flames as there was an evident ability to get shots on net and score goals, and Vancouver has been having difficulties in net. While further comparing both teams and their games played so far, it appears as though Calgary is slowly improving their play, whereas Vancouver seems to continue to struggle to find theirs.
Shutting down the Sedin twins will be a focus for Calgary because they keep to a simple plan on the ice that could cause trouble for the Flames. They play deep along the boards pushing the play while waiting for an opportunity to either pass to the blueline, or to a Kassian who is driving the net. Their primary defensive game plan will therefore be to shut down the Sedins, which should limit their offensive opportunities.
After the game in Anaheim the Flames proved they can convert on offensive opportunities as they were able to muster up four goals. This is an improvement from their first game and one that will serve them best moving forward. An area in need of improved, one that I constantly hassle the Flames about is with respect to their faceoff win percentages, as it is fundamental to winning. Although only two games in, they are sitting at a league low of 41%. This number has got to get closer to 50% or they will constantly be at a disadvantage. Hopefull this is something which Cervenka will help address upon his debut.
The second goal from Koivu during the Anaheim game demonstrated how players can effectively sneak behind Calgary’s defense. Calgary can’t let anyone get the jump off especially when driving to the net.
Defending this type of play will require Calgary to keep their eyes open and heads on a swivel, as they have been leaving guys open too often in their own end. An effective outlet for the Canucks has been when teams over commit to their defenders along the boards as it provides Vancouver with an opening for their shifter players. A strong defensive formation from Calgary in their own end should not allow enough time and space for the offensive strengths that Vancouver has shown. As such, a strong and consistent defense, especially around their own net, will help secure a win.
Another player to watch tonight will be Edler who is playing well of late. He has scored 2 goals in two games and his first goal against the Oilers displayed the level of skill he can bring. By forcing a turn over, he was able to take the puck from his own defensive end and break up ice to score on a pretty slap shot. To avoid an end to end play, Calgary’s defensive will need to be consisten on either ends of the ice.
Both Luongo and Schneider are struggling right now to find their groove, and all the talk surrounding their goaltending position of late surely adds to the stress levels of competing as a starting goaltender. Their confidence is likely a little low coming into tonight’s game and the perfect way to start will be exactly how they did against the Sharks; fast paced hockey with plenty of shots. By adding pressure on offense and shooting often, they should find success as they continue to test Vancouver’s goaltending. If Luongo gets the start (which Im sure isn’t sitting well with Gillis), his weakness against the Oilers was his top corner, especially on the drive up the wing. Calgary should mix in a couple drives from the angle in order to test this weak spot.
Vancouver has a tendency to cough the puck up with a weak pass across the middle coming out of their zone. This is a great opportunity for Calgary to capitalize as offensive pressure will force Vancouver turnovers and create 2 on 1 opportunities.
This game will be a great test for Calgary and will be important for them not to fall three games in a row to start this shortened season. As long as the defense can stay consistent and maintain their coverage properly, their forwards should be able to exploit Vancouver’s potential goalie dilemma enough to edge out a win.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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