The Glen Gulutzan era isn't off to a great start in Calgary.
While the Flames controlled play for the majority of the first two games against the Edmonton Oilers (shot attempts were 93-67 Calgary at full-strength) they were prone to the big mistake and it hurt them numerous occasions. You simply can not be careless with the puck, especially when Connor McDavid is on the ice, and the Flames were guilty of doing that too many times to overcome.
Tonight the Flames will be looking to get back on track and record their first win, or even point, of the season as they head to Vancouver to take on the Canucks in their home opener.
While the Flames are 0-2-0 and have conceded a lot of goals one would think they have a good chance of getting their first win; even on the road in a back-to-back.
Many, myself included, expect the Canucks to seriously contend for the 1st overall pick this season and it's not hard to see why when looking at their roster.
They are pretty much a one line team and the one talented unit they do have is made up of aging players that are past their prime. The defense isn't inspiring, either, and Ryan Miller is far from the guy we saw five years ago.
The Flames are certainly the better team on paper. They just need to pull up their socks and show it before they dig themselves a deep hole that will be tough to climb out of in a strong Western Conference.
Here is a look at the line combos Glen Gulutzan will go with tonight:
Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Kris Versteeg Matthew Tkachuk - Sam Bennett - Troy Brouwer Micheal Ferland - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik Lance Bouma - Matt Stajan - Alex Chiasson
Mark Giordano - T.J. Brodie Dougie Hamilton - Jyrki Jokipakka Dennis Wideman - Deryk Engelland
Chad Johnson
And what they will go up against:
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Loui Eriksson Brendan Gaunce - Brandon Sutter - Jannik Hansen Sven Baertschi - Markus Granlund - Jake Virtanen Alex Burrows - Bo Horvat - Derek Dorsett
Alex Edler - Chris Tanev Ben Hutton - Erik Gudbranson Luca Sbisa - Philip Larsen
Ryan Miller
A few notes:
1) Wideman was never a speedster but it looks as if he's lost another step this year. He has averaged 20 minutes through the first two games and has been completely exposed. I think the Flames should try and limit his usage a bit, although he should fare better against a slower Canucks team.
2) Goaltending has been an issue for the Flames in each of their first two games. The defense certainly hasn't helped out - they've been turning it over and leaking breakaways like nothing - but the Flames need some stops if they're going to win games with any regularity.
3) The Flames don't have last change but they should be looking to get their top players against Sbisa's pairing whenever possible. The Canucks bleed shots, chances and goals when he is on the ice.
Tonight's game is schedule for 10 pm eastern and can be seen on CBC.
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