As is expected come playoff time, there has been an increasingly high amount of nervousness, excitement, but also temperaments expressed between both the fan bases and players of the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.
In fact, it's gotten to the point where the two media related stories have to do with third party voices asking that each group essentially, "tone it down".
To be more specific, following their game this past Friday CBC recently released a short video of several rival fans fighting in the halls of the arena which many were embarrassed by, as shown below.
"While the majority of our fans help to create a jovial and respectful setting at games, we do take measures at all of our events to help minimize any risks ... including guests services personnel and our fan text service, to help flag an incident before it escalates and to create the safest atmosphere possible."
"It's just a game, people shouldn't be throwing punches."
To add to this “situation…, the NHL has also recently spoken with both teams with respect to their on ice disputes, as well. Both teams were approached by the league and the officials to advise that their tolerance level will be lowered for the remaining games as things are getting out of hand.
While the game from the 17th had 132 penalty minutes dished out, I’m not entirely sure I agree that this particular series is getting out of hands, by any means, especially when I look to series such as the Canadiens and Senators, and neither does the coach apparently.
"I don't think it was about sending a message," Hartley said. "It was about two teams competing. They have some gritty guys and we have some gritty guys and I don't think that's no big deal."
But I digress.
Moving in to tonight’s game, both sides will need to keep the after the whistle stuff down and do their best to stay out of the box as the refs look to hand out a few extra minor (and even major) penalties.
The media recently spoke with Burrows regarding the Canucks last game, and with the recent warnings from the refs, he feels that this will actually play in to their game plan as the Flames have been throwing around the body perhaps a little more than the Canucks.
What the Flames will need to do is maintain their level of speed and strong transitional game. If the refs are in fact looking to blow the whistle a little more than previous games, than that extra stick work in the corners or front of the net could cost them a power play goal if they’re not careful, and perhaps even the game. It will be interesting to see how the younger or less experienced players hold themselves when they know that extra attention is being thrown their way.
The series has been damn interesting so far, and both teams have come to battle – that’s for sure.
And two players of late have come to play and raise their level of intensity; Jonas Hiller and Michael Ferland. The latter of the two is currently third in the NHL in playoff hits, leading the Flames with a total of 18, and the 215lbs rookie is wearing his heart on his sleeve for this team. “Right from the get go, (Ferland) delivered some good, solid clean hits and that’s the way we always play. He filled in. He took advantage of Lance Bouma’s injury and he’s really creating a good role for himself,… said Hartley.
In terms of Hiller, what he’s offered to the team has been a little of consistency, experience, and leadership?
“Hills has been a very strong figure for us,… praised Flames head coach Bob Hartley after Monday’s optional practice. “He’s so calm. He doesn’t get rattled. He stays always in the game — every shot, he’s ready for it. I think that he’s a very, very big part.…“I thought in the first game, you kind of noticed early there were some plays where guys were throwing pucks around or pucks were bobbling,… Hiller said. “I felt we kind of got rid of that in the second game and even more (Sunday). I think right now, it looks like we were playing in the regular season, just with more intensity.…
“I knew it was going to take some time for everybody to kind of grow into the playoffs,… Hiller added. “But at the same time, I think a lot of young guys had already taken over lots of leadership in this group during the regular season.
“With having guys out, hurt and whatever, the young guys had to step up. At this point, that helps because they already have been in the situation where they have more responsibilities. Now, they can prove it again.…
With all the discussion, excitement, and rivalry that has been generated over the previous games, tonight is expected to be one hell of a bout as the Flames look to take a stranglehold of the series, which currently sits at 2-1 in their favour.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the game!!