Update: Ritchie is a last minute scratch. Stone is in. 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
There is something about losing consecutive games to Dallas that brings out the despair in Flames fans.
Perhaps it was the three straight Dallas victories in the 2020 bubble to seal the first round. After Calgary had a 2-1 series lead no less.
Maybe it was the Stars storming back in game six after the Flames had taken a 3-0 lead in the first period. Lifted by Dennis Gurianov’s four goals.
Or it might just be that this potential sequence happened already against the Colorado Avalanche in 2019. The Flames shut out the Avalanche in game one and then proceeded to get swept to a five game, round one loss.
All of these things have happened and may have triggered a negative feedback loop moving forward. Losing two straight after winning game one just brings Flames fans right back into the mental state they were in not one but in two different instances.
So here’s some advice.
First, let’s take a moment to be grateful for the team we’ve gotten to watch. First in the division, third in the conference, sixth best offence, third best defence. Remember that this team has played some incredible hockey this season. This roster has so many less holes in it than previous years. The offence has more dimensions and the depth is far more physical than any roster iteration in at least the last 17 years.
Second, take a few deep breaths. Simple, yes, but important. Worry and stress cause your amygdala to activate, sounding the alarm in your brain and blocking your prefrontal cortex from making clear decisions. Oxygen calms down that area of the brain. None of this will work without the deep breaths, so don’t cheat.
Next, acknowledge the theme for a minute and put something else there. Sentiments like “last time it was the Flames to take a 2-1 lead and that desperation kick-started the Dallas Stars’ defence into such form that they went all the way to the Cup Final….
Following that, look for a silver lining. The Flames finished last season with the 16th ranked defence. This year they ranked third and best in the Western Conference. Next in the West was Colorado with 26 more goals against. If the middle six gets scoring: the Flames are very likely to win any given night.
Finally, try to use your imagination. Some crazy things could happen tonight as the Calgary Flames face off against the Dallas Stars for game four. The Flames have both a sharp offence and highly physical defence. This could be any forward’s night. Anything can happen.
This is all supposed to be for entertainment, right?
Lines A few changes to the lineup. Courtesy of Pat Steinberg. @Fan960Steinberg.
Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk Ritchie-Backlund-Toffoli Coleman-Jarnkrok-Dube Lucic-Lewis-Mangiapane
Hanifin-Andersson Kylington-Tanev Zadorov-Gudbranson
Markstrom Vladar
Shakeup Ritchie will make space for Backlund and Toffoli. Ritchie has been doing a great job banging in the corners. Those two will find they have much more breathing room to move the puck in the offensive zone.
Mangiapane drops to line four. While it may be seen as a demotion, that has been the Flames’ second most effective line in three games. Both offensively and in terms of physicality.
The Other Foot It’s the Calgary Flames’ turn to play desperate hockey. You may have noticed that four teams yesterday rebounded from being down 2-1 to tie the series. It’s possible, but don’t get your hopes up. It is worth noting that head coach Darryl Sutter has led teams out of playoff deficits in the past. Down 3-2 vs the Ducks, 0-3 against the Sharks to name a couple.
Enough talk. Hockey is to be enjoyed. Game time is 7:30pm mst. Let’s have some fun.
Trevor Neufeld
@Trevor_Neufeld