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1) Goaltending is unquestionably the biggest question mark for the Calgary Flames this season, which is why Mike Smith and Eddie Lack combining to stop just 29-36 (.805 save percentage) in the preseason opener(s) wasn't exactly encouraging.
The split squad games were extremely sloppy and penalty-filled, so they weren't exactly set up for goaltenders to succeed, but it was still unsettling to see the Edmonton Oilers filling the net given what the Flames have gone through between the pipes in recent years.
The Athletic's Kent Wilson said it best:
One bad game means nothing. One bad preseason game means even less. Still, a worse start couldn't have been drawn up for the Flames' new duo.
2) Sam Bennett didn't register a point at Edmonton, but he put forth a strong effort against an Oilers team dressing many NHL players, particularly up front.
Bennett was one of the Flames' best players in possession and, at 5v5, the Flames out-chanced the Oilers 8-1 with him on the ice.
Again, he didn't find the scoresheet but he should have with some of the chances he created.
3) Spencer Foo's debut on Bennett's wing was a good one. The Flames carried play with that duo (plus Emile Poirier) on the ice, and Foo made a great back-door pass, while falling, to set up a goal that was called back for crossing the line a tick too late. Nevertheless, it was a good showing for Foo and a step in the right direction for his chances of making the team.
4) The T.J. Brodie - Travis Hamonic pairing had a really nice debut together as they out-attempted the Oilers by 10 and out-chanced them by six while playing more against Leon Draisaitl's line than any other, although they saw a little of everyone.
It was a preseason game, and against a watered down lineup, but it's still nice to see that pairing get positive results from the get-go. If they mesh well, as expected, the Flames can keep the Mark Giordano - Dougie Hamilton pairing together,
which was arguably the best in the league last season.
Recent posts:
Flames sign Dylan Olsen to PTO
Flames sign Joseph Cramarossa to PTO
Three Flames question marks for the 2017-18 season
Flames sign Sam Bennett to two-year extension
Flames sign Glass to PTO
Flames sign Kulak to one-year extension
On Versteeg, Brodie, and power play shooting
Smith could be a more than adequate solution for the Flames
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