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Before we get into the most recent news and transactions regarding the Calgary Flames, I’d like to share a few comments with respect to the Canada-USA game from earlier today.
Firstly, that game was nothing from what I was truly expecting. Carey Price and the Canadian defensemen shutting the door on the Americans for a 1-0 win? I’ve got to say, I was expecting a high scoring game given the way both teams can play.
Further to that point, this was really the only game where the Americans struggled to score. At the end of the day, Team USA was not able to find the back of the net, as Canada managed to limit their opportunities by playing a strong defensive game. That goes for the forwards too, as their back-checking/shot blocking showed their clear desire to walk away with the win.
What I found most interesting while watching each Canadian game, is that while they dominated the play in the offensive zone, their forwards weren't able to convert given that most of their goals came from the defense. That said, their team play (despite constant line juggling) was fun to watch. They seemingly communicated quite well today, moved the puck with efficiency and didn’t, for the most part, cough up pucks at bad times.
There’s one thing that is certain, despite the low scoring conclusion; this was a pure skill game from both sides. Unlike either team’s previous match-ups where their opponents were trying to out-muscle and outwork the Canadians/Americans, this game was a fast paced, back and forth, skilled game. Not much sloppiness from either side, nice offensive transitions, several shots on net, but only one goal! I suppose the argument of who had the strongest defense between the two was answered today…I’m not sure how you could argue against the Canadians truthfully…but I guess I’m biased.
I digress.
Like I said, although I felt that today’s game would be a 4-5 OT nail bitter, it was a very good/close game just the same. Canada did exactly what they needed to do against a team who was averaging four or more goals per game and secured the game’s only goal. Sunday morning(for us) should be a slightly different challenge for the good guys as the Swedes will look to do to Canada, what Canada did to the US today – get an early lead and shut them down.
Should be a good game!
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While there is not much to report on regarding the Calgary Flames, the team announced that forward Ben Hanowski was called up yesterday.
For those who don’t follow me on twitter, the reason I provided (because there hasn’t been an official explanation as of yet) is likely due to Brian MacGrattan’s injury during practice. McGrattan went down hard in practice yesterday and didn’t return.
“No, I didn’t see,… said Hartley. “I guess from what the players and what (associate coach) Jacques Cloutier told me, he kind of caught a rut and basically fell face-first into the boards. He was in pretty big pain, and, obviously, we’ll probably have a report for you guys (Friday) morning.…
Additionally, Hartley explains that veteran Lee Stempniak will also be missing for a few days, as he left practice Thursday morning for “personal reasons… and is not injured. He isn’t expected to miss any time as the Flames next game will be next Thursday, the 27th. Hanowski, who is going to play provided McGrattan is out longer than a week, has played 48 games with the Abbotsford Heat so far this year, registering 26 points. The 6’2 200lbs 23 year old will provided a little extra skill on the 4th line than did the Flames “face puncher… McGrattan.
Thanks for reading!