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Tkachuk, Bennett, Brouwer Shine As Flames Top Canucks |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Some notes on the Calgary Flames' 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks:
1) Sam Bennett really looks ready to take a big step forward this season. He is making quick decisions with the puck, darting all over the ice and setting up a lot of great chances for teammates. He picked up an assist on both goals last night and was one of the few Flames to come out even (or better) in possession at evens. He seems to be building real good chemistry with Troy Brouwer, which is good news considering what Calgary paid to get his signature.
2) Speaking of Brouwer, he may not be a great 5 v 5 player but he will still get his goals (and points), especially on the power play. He has a reputation as a guy that lives around the net, which is true, but he can also wire the puck. His shot is really underrated and he is more than capable of scoring from a little ways out, which we saw on the opening goal of the game. The Flames had to make a fairly big commitment to him but there is no doubt he will help this team.
3) Matthew Tkachuk certainly helped his cause for making the team out of camp. He connected on some nice plays with Bennett and Brouwer on the man advantage and scored a goal while also tallying three shots. It's encouraging that he still lived around the net, and didn't hesitate to go to the dirty areas, while playing against men. That's a big part of his game, obviously, so if he can do that without getting pushed around he is probably ready to play in the NHL.
4) Brian Elliott was very good once again. Tyler Parsons did his job, too. It's amazing how much things change when you get good goaltending.
5) Garnet Hathaway made the most of his limited ice time. He was just about even in possession and landed four hits throughout the night, including a big one on Brendan Gaunce. It was also as clean of a hit as you'll see and no injury was suffered on the play. I don't understand why he had to fight and answer for it.
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