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Wednesday was the day with some unexpected developments, at least for me.
I didn’t expect 31 trades at the NHL deadline. Didn’t expect the Flames and Edmonton Oilers to make a trade for the first time ever. Didn’t expect such a flat performance from the Flames in the 4-0 loss to Minnesota.
A mere look at the standings on the wall in the Flame dressing room should have been motivation enough considering the team was in 9th place and one point out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
They ended the night still in 9th and still one point behind Detroit but the race behind team got a little closer. The Wild, for instance, are now 3 points behind the Flames, who now play 6 of 10 on the road.
Why Brent Sutter’s skaters lacks energy and commitment was difficult to figure. Perhaps it had something to do with the style the Wild played where they went into a rope-a-dope style after taking a 1-0 lead with 1:04 left in the 1st period.
It was a boring style with plenty of icing the puck, but the Flames feel into the trap. It was made worse by the fact the Wild scored just about every time they were able to escape out of their own zone. That was especially evident when the Wild scored twice just beyond the midway point of the 2nd period in less than 4 minutes.
Hopefully, it was just a one night thing a brief post-Olympic break hangover.
Friday we’ll find out when Sutter’s former team, the NJ Devils, are in the Saddledome.
I do not think this is a one night thing Peter. The era of the Flames making the playoffs for so many years is over. Still have a hard time understanding the Leafs trade and the signing of Stajan to 3.5/year over 4 years. Anybody who watched him in Toronto knows that he was a hard working player, but a player with limited skill. The Flames’ management has overvalued a lot of players in this organization.
- The OneSutter lost his mind Steve Staios is over the hill, now
- Daryl Georgewe have to pilons out there
with sarge, and taken up 5.8mill salary cap between the two of them next year two.
We need somebody to play with gerome get rid of sutter.
That was possibly the most lacklustre performance I’ve seen in many years as a STH — if they keep playing that way not only will they miss the playoffs (or be one and done should they make the dance), sooner or later people will simply stop paying to watch them. Not only would that be a same, it would possibly spell the end of NHL hockey in Calgary. Too many plumbers, not enough scorers and STILL no one for Iggy to dance with. Sigh. I just don’t understand what Sutter is dong…..
- DonPeter,
- Sean ElekesFirst, I just would like to say what a plesure to comment on Mr. Peter Maher’s blog. Years ago I work at a Husky and had the honour to fix your flat tire on your vehicle, and I got to drive it to your house. I know your tire never went flat again.
The flames lack defensive zone break out coverage. I mean they play lousey when they can’t clear the puck from their own end. Keep the break out simple and don’t give the puck away. Same goes for neutral zone. Secondly, when in offencive zone, get the puck deep and trap the puck behind the net. This will allow players to create confussion and score.
Love your yah babies.