We have ourselves a game three tonight folks, and one that should be interesting given how the last game between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks ended.
After a slow start to their game and what would seem like a blowout by the Canucks, Bob Hartley sent out the goons to try and start something on the ice. And while the coach was ultimately fined $50,000 for the incident, it was clearly a message to the players – get moving!
The second game of this series between the two teams which could have allowed the Flames the opportunity to head home with two wins, ultimately ended rather poorly as the team didn’t appear to have the right amount of energy or determination that was ever so apparent throughout most of their games this year.
And although the game ended with a 4-1 loss for Calgary, Hartley certainly ensured that the rivalry and battle remained strong between the two teams heading in to tonight’s game as he would send out his goons to ruffle some feathers.
Moving into tonight, the Flames will play in front of a home crowd for the first time since April of 2009 which should be a packed and loud house. As I mentioned in my last blog, Calgary fans all over are very excited with their team and their respective chances. All that said, however, and the team is now tied heading in to game three with some confidence in the skates of the Canucks players after a big recent win.
Not allowing two back to back wins will be crucial for the Flames as they look to regain the advantage over Vancouver, and as my initial prediction offered, this one should go right down to the wire.
No line changes are expected tonight however we will need to see some stronger defensive play than what the group offered just two nights ago. Their overall play in their own end was, well, lackadaisical.
There was far too much puck watching and a few too many assignments left open. It would seem the team was sitting back and waiting for the play to develop rather than controlling it which they’ve had plenty of success with over the course of the regular season.
Jonas Hiller who sits with a 0.932 save percentage and a 2.11 goals against average so far these playoffs will get the start tonight as he faces Eddie Lack who has been equally good earning a respectable 0.943 save percentage and a 1.51 goals against average. Tonight will be a game of chances and it will be up to the Flames to set the pace and come out with the energy and determination that we’ve seen all year.
As Hartley put in before the playoffs started – hard work and determination will triumph over experience.
Enjoy the game!