Sunday, April 13, 2008
Flames Game Day
Game 3, Flames vs. Sharks, 8PM MT (CBC) in the C of Red
I have to admit -- as I hinted in last gameday post -- I really thought the Flames were going to win Game 2. But here we are, with the series tied 1-1, and from where I sit, there hasn't been any surprises. Or, put another way, I don't think I've learned anything from the first two games that change how I looked at the series from the get-go.
The teams are very evenly matched at 5v5, perhaps even with a slight edge to Calgary. San Jose's 2nd/3rd/4th lines do a nice job with puck possession and zone pressure, but have trouble creating and/or converting quality scoring chances. Both goaltenders are excellent with no obvious edge either way. Calgary is some combination of "less disciplined" and "slower"; they are liable to take more penalties than San Jose (and are more liable to cause a penalty-filled game), which not only kills their ability to push things 5v5 but allows San Jose to exploit their edge on special teams.
Accordingly, I have a tough time looking at tonight's game, or the remainder of the series, with any particular perspective besides Let's play and see what happens. "It could go either way" is a cliche, and a boring one at that, but it really could.
There is but one X-factor left, something for Flames fans to latch onto beyond crossing their fingers and hoping for that one extra accurate shot or lucky bounce or impossible-looking save. Home games! Even stipulating that San Jose is absolutely as good on the road as their league-best record would indicate, Calgary, like most (or all, depending on how you're counting) teams, is better at home than on the road.
Calgary's strange 1-9 home record in 4v4 OT and the shootout this season made it look worse than it was. They allow a lot fewer goals at home; their PP% was worse, but counteracted by drawing more penalties; etc. Ask any bookie: the home-ice advantage, whatever that actually is, is real.
So we got that going for us, which is nice.
Calgary 3 (Iginla, Phaneuf, Tanguay with TMEPiH)
San Jose 1 (Thornton)
Go Flames.
I have to admit -- as I hinted in last gameday post -- I really thought the Flames were going to win Game 2. But here we are, with the series tied 1-1, and from where I sit, there hasn't been any surprises. Or, put another way, I don't think I've learned anything from the first two games that change how I looked at the series from the get-go.
The teams are very evenly matched at 5v5, perhaps even with a slight edge to Calgary. San Jose's 2nd/3rd/4th lines do a nice job with puck possession and zone pressure, but have trouble creating and/or converting quality scoring chances. Both goaltenders are excellent with no obvious edge either way. Calgary is some combination of "less disciplined" and "slower"; they are liable to take more penalties than San Jose (and are more liable to cause a penalty-filled game), which not only kills their ability to push things 5v5 but allows San Jose to exploit their edge on special teams.
Accordingly, I have a tough time looking at tonight's game, or the remainder of the series, with any particular perspective besides Let's play and see what happens. "It could go either way" is a cliche, and a boring one at that, but it really could.
There is but one X-factor left, something for Flames fans to latch onto beyond crossing their fingers and hoping for that one extra accurate shot or lucky bounce or impossible-looking save. Home games! Even stipulating that San Jose is absolutely as good on the road as their league-best record would indicate, Calgary, like most (or all, depending on how you're counting) teams, is better at home than on the road.
Calgary's strange 1-9 home record in 4v4 OT and the shootout this season made it look worse than it was. They allow a lot fewer goals at home; their PP% was worse, but counteracted by drawing more penalties; etc. Ask any bookie: the home-ice advantage, whatever that actually is, is real.
So we got that going for us, which is nice.
Calgary 3 (Iginla, Phaneuf, Tanguay with TMEPiH)
San Jose 1 (Thornton)
Go Flames.
# posted by Matt @ 3:13 pm 
Comments:
I love that C of Red. Brand new Jarome Iginla jerseys as far as the eye can see.
-Ben
You're a sucker Fenwick. I'm onto his game.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season from me too.
"It was the play at the blueline that fooled the Flames defence."-Craig Simpson
Pretty much sums up the Flames year, no?
I have no trouble pronouncing that I'd rather have him on my team than Patrick Marleau, and that's before looking at their salaries.
Matt?
Man, Phaneuf looked brutal on that play. And now it's 3-0, and Cujo is in the game.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season
Ouch...wow...did not see that coming.
And I know what Simpsy means, but I think we can all agree, the 3 goal lead in the first period is one of the worse in hockey...but usually for the team that's trailing.
And I know what Simpsy means, but I think we can all agree, the 3 goal lead in the first period is one of the worse in hockey...but usually for the team that's trailing.
The next goal is going to be a BIG GOAL.
I love that the clock is frozen at 19:38. Seems poetic.
Do the Flames know that they are supposed to chase the black piece of rubber on the ice? Or are they content to just run after bodies?
Do the Flames know that they are supposed to chase the black piece of rubber on the ice? Or are they content to just run after bodies?
They heard everybody talking about how, this time of year, you have to play gritty hockey, but they tuned out the "hockey" part so they think this is basically ultimate fighting. As far as they know, they're way ahead in this game.
You know, hearing Craig Simpson get a huge erection for two pretty blatant headshots on Patrick Marleau is... disturbing. Yeah, the Flames are down 3-0, but Cory Sarich is leaving his feet to try and paralyze skill players, so it's okay?
This is awesome. I love hearing Simpson talk about how BIG that hit was. It's 3-1, but you'd think the Flames were up by 12.
Next goal=BIG GOAL.
On a certain level, I'm glad the Flames have decided to make a game of it. Watching guys try to just smash Sharks is depressing. Watching the Flames play hockey is exciting.
This is awesome. I love hearing Simpson talk about how BIG that hit was. It's 3-1, but you'd think the Flames were up by 12.
Next goal=BIG GOAL.
Don't you know, 3-1 is a whole new game.
Plus Calgary has a solid game plan, paralyze all the Sharks and you have a good chance of winning the series...that is if your players don't get suspensions, but Natalie Portman showing up at Black Dog's house and declaring her undying love after reading his blog and becoming enamored of him is more likely.
Am I the only one who thinks that was an elbow that Sarich laid on Marleau? And if the Phanuef call on Marleau is an icing, doesn't that mean he didn't touch the puck thus making the crushing blow by Phanuef an interference penalty? Not trying to hate on Calgary but it appears all the complaining for three straight days about officiating has paid off.
I'm beginning to think the idea of "BIG HITS!" is even stupider than the idea of "BIG GOALS!"
On the other hand, surely the Flames' dominance in BIG HITS! colliding with the Sharks' dominance in BIG GOALS! will lead to the destruction of the universe when it comes time for the winner to be decided by the hockey gods. I, for one, am grateful, as I will never have to listen to Mark Lee and Craig Simpson again.
it was interesting hearing Simpson praise Phaneuf for playing Marleau and NOT the puck on the icing call. The NHL may talk about wanting to eliminate icing-related injuries, but clearly that's not how these guys (and former guys like Simpson) are hard-wired.
The NHL may talk about wanting to eliminate icing-related injuries, but clearly that's not how these guys (and former guys like Simpson) are hard-wired.
Well, it's logical, since Simpson was a finessey scorer whose career was ended by a back injury suffered in a senseless hit that... hey, wait, that doesn't make sense.
Maybe he's just kinda stupid. Would explain the powerplay.
Lee & Simpson were definitely overstating the whole "it's a brand new game" dealy (Christ, they're still down by 2), but WOW, what a hit.
Nice to see the many Oil fans suddenly remember they're concerned about violence in the NHL again. It's been a while, lads!
Nice to see the many Oil fans suddenly remember they're concerned about violence in the NHL again. It's been a while, lads!
It's been a while since the last time somebody went knee-on-knee with an Oiler. We're out of practice.
(I really sound bitter as I read through this thread. I'm not bitter at the Falmes: they can clearly get away with what they're doing so it's clearly to their advantage to keep doing it. I'm more irked at Lee and Simpson, who seem to think that Mike Tyson would be the best player in NHL history.)
Is anyone else hoping that the Beijing Olympics just turn into a complete and total fiasco? I'm pretty much over the Summer Olympics at this point. Bring on the tanks.
Jesus Christ. Stock is presumably reading this off a teleprompter and there's just blood all over the studio.
Well, that sucked.
But still 2 periods to go, if the Sharks can stomp all over us for 3 minutes, we can stomp all over them.
Personally, I blame Cosh for this state of affairs. it is one thing to wish my team well, but to wish my goalie good health absolutely crossed the line.
Go Flames.
Go Cujo.
...there's just blood all over the studio.
hahaha. Couldnt put it better myself. What is with this trying to convert ex-meatheads into analysts?
What is with this trying to convert ex-meatheads into analysts?
They've given up on trying goalies.
What is with this trying to convert ex-meatheads into analysts?
I was wondering about that myself. The only thing I could come up with is that the ex-heady players have all moved onto better things or coaching, and the ex-meatheads are the only ex-players available.
Although that doesn't explain Hrudey, and he would have to be some kind of freak anomaly.
Calgary is down 3-2, and Simpson just said the Flames "have the game in their hands." Now, it's pretty clear that the Flames are taking it to the Sharks right now, but the last time I checked, being in front of a team in goals scored is more important than "momentum." Can we get a dose of reality here?
How proud must the league be that 3 of the 4 penalties called in tonight's game were un-findable on replay by the TV crew?
Well, sucking off the refs sure paid off for the Flames tonight.
Yes. Two PP's through 2 periods is clear evidence of that.
Couldn't agree more on the Olympics. Not only do our athletes have to inhale chalk all damn day over there, they also have to compete in a country run by the type of men the whole 'lest we forget' mantra was intended to deter.
Metro:
More like the fact that San Jose only has 2, and a call like that is made to put Calgary right back in the game.
The refs were reffing the score, and it worked.
pdo: I think you see Malice where incompetence is the more probable explanation. Did you see the Yelle "slash" that was called a minute into the game?
Metro:
Actually didn't... missed it while cursing at the Devils and taking a bathroom break.
That said, there were several hits when it was 3-0 that were certainly over the line... to not call a single one of those a penalty and then call the Maclean thing?
Man, that's reffing the score 101...
Though I can't disagree on incompetence ;)
My computer wouldn't let me comment before, so I'll state it again.
Best.Hit.Ever. I think I saw blood floating weightlessly in the air.
Really seemed to spark the flames. Props to Sarich.
I've officially and finally given up on Wayne Primeau. I can't name one thing he does well.
Well he is...err...big.
on a related topic, I don't understand why Moss was scratched tonight.
That 3rd goal was the worst of the bunch (the only one of the three that gave me an OH COME ON reaction). It looks even more disgusting now.
Oh no. Keenan is a real goalie guru. I'm very confident in this.
Oh yes, now I get it, Lowetide. [wink]
Also: very best of luck to the Flames tonight.
The Sarich hit is the TSN turning point. Two years ago, Ryan's teeth in triple overtime did the trick. This year, Corey's hit that made Marleau bleed out of two of the holes in his head is it.
Go Flames.
"Oh no. Keenan is a real goalie guru. I'm very confident in this."
He's also fantastic with European players. Remember how earlier in the year he called out Huselius for his wonderful play? Kipper's European, so Mike Keenan must have a man-crush on this man in much the same way Maguire loves CROSBY!
Updated, grudging prediction: Flames tie it, Sharks win in OT. Why? Because someone up there hates me and wants me to suffer under the meme of the next couple of days, "the importance of the first goal".
19 of 20 games have been won by the team who scored first! Who cares if it's utterly absurd to connect winning in OT game to having scored the 1-0 goal! Good start! Critical! Gotta score that first goal!!11!1!111!ONE!111
At least Craig Simpson-Millions toned it down a little that period.
Not a lot mind you, but at least it wasn't like watching a local Flames telecast.
Flames are down by one but have hit a couple of posts and are really starting to carry the play and are cognizant of who's in net for them.
Young Mitchell really seems to have a bright future as a guy who helps you win hockey games but the Joe T./Cheechoo and Michalek troika have to seriously wake the fuck up.
Tying the game and this thread together, I think we should send Craig Simpson to Beijing. He'll be great covering the various events with statements like "Canada is 9th right now in the relay but it's only three-quarters over and when you think about it we've got Ghana right where we want them!"
"the Joe T./Cheechoo and Michalek troika have to seriously wake the fuck up."
They play like a bunch of wimpy teenage Russians when the opposition plays physical with them.
Fuck. Tie game. Who put the hex on?
Holy fuck Simpson.
Shut the fuck up. Dion Phaneuf did not mean to bank that puck off of Vlasic's foot and stick.
Christ.
Incredible heads-up play by Dion Phaneuf for shooting the puck three feet wide and fluking out to have Vlasic double-deflect the puck into the net.
Seriously. The guy has such a delicate grasp of the game that even when he hoses the puck wide by a great distance he can utilise magnetic fields to force players into precisely the right position for seemingly flukey goals. Now that's a hockey player.
(P.S.: BIG GOAL! Almost as big as the NEXT GOAL!)
Woo Hoo.
I wish nothing but the best for Joe T, Patrick M. and all of the Sharks. I hope Toskala remains healthy and avoids any sort of painful career limiting sprain the rest of the way.
I called this series at 5:12 of game 1. I'm recalling it now. These Sharks can't take the heat.
Go Flames.
I called this series at 5:12 of game 1. I'm recalling it now. These Sharks can't take the heat.
Go Flames.
Funny, you were missing for the first hour and a half of this game.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season.
Jeez, while I'm thinking of a tag line for that San Jose pops one into their own net. Luck doesn't get much better than that.
"I hope Toskala remains healthy and avoids any sort of painful career limiting sprain the rest of the way."
Yeah, I bet he's wishing the very same thing from a golf course.
In Toronto.
Well you have to give the Flames credit here, they've worked their way back into this game.
If San Jose is going to win a Stanley any time soon, it might be time to man up.
Luck doesn't get much better than that.
Actually, Bruce, that was one of the most brilliant heads-up plays in the history of hockey. It's the kind of play that makes grown men weep, it was so beautiful. So says Pierre MacGuire...errr, Craig Simpson.
I expect the Flames to IGNITE on this next BIG GOAL.
If San Jose is going to win a Stanley any time soon, it might be time to man up.
I hate that I'm stuck defending these guys. It's a team of 20 robots.
Jeez, while I'm thinking of a tag line for that San Jose pops one into their own net. Luck doesn't get much better than that.
Sure it does... Roenick makes a great play in front, and the pass handcuffs Cheechoo by about 6 inches instead of being an easy tap in.
If San Jose is going to win a Stanley any time soon, it might be time to man up.
Pretty much. One of Thornton/Marleau/Cheechoo has to step up big here.
Wow, one more for the 'Things Wayne Primeau Doesn't Do Well' list: take the puck away from a guy lying on his back.
I think we should send Craig Simpson to Beijing.
Mark Lee too. I'm thinking Olympic Lawn Bowling is about his pace.
And I know this is horrible(-er) karma, but since I'm losing the Lombardi/Marleau bet, I'd like to press.
Fuck I hate the Flames' home unis. I got a 40-inch screen with HDTV and I still can't read their goddam numbers. Worst team for that west of the Rangers.
You know, in hindsight, having faith in the San Jose Sharks was always a bad move on our part, Oilers fans. Nobody can say we didn't have this coming.
Groan. The San Jose Sharks, everyone.
I guess the 3-0 lead really is the most dangerous lead in hockey (spits).
Curtis Joseph was CLUTCH tonight. He deserves to be in for the rest of the series. His entrance IGNITED the Flames into a HUGE comeback.
Flames in 5
Woo Hoo freaking Hoo
I guess we will just have to deal with the goaltending controversy ...
There is no question, NO QUESTION, that the Flames are the superior playoff team.
That was the most amazing game I've listenend to since 2004. Absolutely amazing.
I'd like to thank all the Oilers fans for their kind support. You guys are the best.
If I were Doug Wilson, I'd fire Ron Wilson tomorrow morning.
Seriously.
San Jose should be no worse than up 2-1 in this series, yet they are down 2-1. What the fuck?
You know, in hindsight, Simpson was the Oilers assistant coach in 2006. There really was good reason for him to suggest the Flames were in the drivers seat when they down by three goals to the San Jose Sharks.
Did I say woo freaking hoo?
Is there a commenter on this board who has any faith at all that the Sharks (the Joe Thornton Sharks) can win this thing?
Go Predators.
Thanks for all the class, Oilers fans. Karma, baby.
Thanks for sticking by your team after they've won, Dave. One Cup, baby.
You know that saying, "In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed man is king"?
In a similar vein, Patrick "Minus One" Thoresen would rule the Sharks' dressing room.
Fuck I hate the Flames' home unis. I got a 40-inch screen with HDTV and I still can't read their goddam numbers.
I got a 52 inch, i only have trouble reading numbers on their helmets :)
Is there a commenter on this board who has any faith at all that the Sharks (the Joe Thornton Sharks) can win this thing?
That's the worst part. There's not a single Oilers fan in the world comfortable with betting on the Sharks.
You guys learn nothing about hubris.
In fairness, they haven't exactly had a lot of opportunities to learn, what with the way they finished off the Kings in 92-93 when they were up 2-1, the Canucks in 1993-94 when they were up 3-1, the Sharks in 1994-95 when they were up 3-2, the Lightning in 03-04 when they were up 3-2 and the Ducks in 05-06 when they were up 3-2.
Shit, of the last 8 series in which they've led the series after 3 or 5 games, they've lost 5. That's astounding.
As Dave Letterman would say, "I'm pretty sure that was somethin'"
Didn't it look like Ron Wilson, was mentally preparing his coaching resume after the fourth goal?
It's become a series of "who can suck the least".
Or, "who can move on to be trounced in the second round".
Neither team's play instills a lot of confidence moving forward, ecspecially from a betting perspective.
Were the Sharks really undercoached, or were they just stupid? Thornton, for instance, is a dominant player who in the playoffs suddenly develops a mania for passing up great shooting opportunities in exchange for risky passes to teammates in worse positions. He's afraid to be the guy. Is that coaching?
Brian Campbell is trying to do too much: charging recklessly and giving up position way too often. Is that coaching, or is that just Brian Campbell gripping his stick too tight. A coach shouldn't have to tell his defensemen "don't screen your own goalie", but the Sharks were doing just that.
tyler: Just so you know, we DID finish off Tampa in game six, except the refs didn't agree.
But regarding hubris, who cares? We just came back from a three goal deficit to win. Can any of you honestly say that if your team just posted a comeback like that you'd be saying, "Well, the win was great, but I expect that Sharks will come back and take the series." Come on guys. What were you guys thinking after game 3 in 2006?
That was a BIG win for the Flames...
And I was at a bar, else I would have commented earlier...
Go Flames!!!
Crosby
Just so you know, we DID finish off Tampa in game six, except the refs didn't agree.
Yeah, Roloson didn't get hurt in G1 of the Finals in 2005-06 either. I was down at the imaginary Hall of Fame, looking at the imaginary Stanley Cup the other day...pretty sweet how there was an imaginary 03-04 roster inscribed right next to the imaginary 05-06 Oilers roster.
Oh yeah, and you can't really use the '04 series as an example of the Flames losing a lead in a series, since we really won that in 6...
And there is video evidence to back that up (I don't care about Rollie being hurt, beacuse that did happen...) :P
Is that why your boys didn't show up for G7? Figured that the moral victory based on dubious video evidence was good enough?
Fuck, you guys satisfy easy.
Come on guys. What were you guys thinking after game 3 in 2006?
If anything this was like Game Three against Dallas in '97 when the Oilers stormed back from a 3-0 deficit late in the third and won it in OT on a goal by Kelly Buchberger of all people. It was a #7 against #2 series; Oilers came home after splitting in Dallas and the Stars had every chance to squeeze the life out of the series in Game 3 and let it get away. From then on it was a fight to the death with the road team winning every game, but the Oilers started believing in themselves with that huge comeback. And unless I'm mistaken, Dallas began doubting themselves at the same time.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season.
You guys learn nothing about hubris.
IT ain't over till it's over.
In fairness, and as Andy pointed it, Peter didn't bother posting till the Flames had tied the game, and then again after they had won =).
A coach shouldn't have to tell his defensemen "don't screen your own goalie", but the Sharks were doing just that.
If screening your own goalie wasn't bad enough, Hrudey had them play the Thoresen clip, looping in the background, while he pointed out that Campbell should not have been screening his goalie, and if he's out there in that position he should be blocking the shot as he had ample position and time to do so.
Last of all, I have no problem with San Jose going down. Now is it too much to hope that Dallas proceeds to sweep Anaheim?
Tyler, are you pissed off 'cause Flames fans' are rejoicing? C'mon buddy, even Oiler fans' got to give us less stick than usual after a great win.
Whatever. Peter had company tonight and he still snuck down to his basement where the game was on the (yes seriously) 120 inch screen and posted this:
Well, that sucked.
But still 2 periods to go, if the Sharks can stomp all over us for 3 minutes, we can stomp all over them.
Personally, I blame Cosh for this state of affairs. it is one thing to wish my team well, but to wish my goalie good health absolutely crossed the line.
Go Flames.
Go Cujo.
It wasn't much, but I was there, beginning to end, with my 2004 conference finals rally cap on when things looked the bleakest.
This series is so completely done. if the Sharks stretch this to 6, that will be the biggest surprise of round 1.
Go Predators.
Joe T. has to be better, Cheechoo did manage to Almost;) have a scoring chance but Michalek is just invisible.
The Clowe/Marleau combination are making things happen and the Grier/Mitchell/Rissmiller line are up to the task but on the times Wilson let the PVP matchup stand vs Iggy, they got owned in terms of scoring chances for/against.
Post a Comment
<< Home
I love that C of Red. Brand new Jarome Iginla jerseys as far as the eye can see.
-Ben
# posted by 
: April 13, 2008 3:31 pm
: April 13, 2008 3:31 pm You're a sucker Fenwick. I'm onto his game.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season from me too.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 4:21 pm
: April 13, 2008 4:21 pm "It was the play at the blueline that fooled the Flames defence."-Craig Simpson
Pretty much sums up the Flames year, no?
I have no trouble pronouncing that I'd rather have him on my team than Patrick Marleau, and that's before looking at their salaries.
Matt?
Man, Phaneuf looked brutal on that play. And now it's 3-0, and Cujo is in the game.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season
Ouch...wow...did not see that coming.
And I know what Simpsy means, but I think we can all agree, the 3 goal lead in the first period is one of the worse in hockey...but usually for the team that's trailing.
And I know what Simpsy means, but I think we can all agree, the 3 goal lead in the first period is one of the worse in hockey...but usually for the team that's trailing.
The next goal is going to be a BIG GOAL.
I love that the clock is frozen at 19:38. Seems poetic.
Do the Flames know that they are supposed to chase the black piece of rubber on the ice? Or are they content to just run after bodies?
Do the Flames know that they are supposed to chase the black piece of rubber on the ice? Or are they content to just run after bodies?
They heard everybody talking about how, this time of year, you have to play gritty hockey, but they tuned out the "hockey" part so they think this is basically ultimate fighting. As far as they know, they're way ahead in this game.
You know, hearing Craig Simpson get a huge erection for two pretty blatant headshots on Patrick Marleau is... disturbing. Yeah, the Flames are down 3-0, but Cory Sarich is leaving his feet to try and paralyze skill players, so it's okay?
This is awesome. I love hearing Simpson talk about how BIG that hit was. It's 3-1, but you'd think the Flames were up by 12.
Next goal=BIG GOAL.
On a certain level, I'm glad the Flames have decided to make a game of it. Watching guys try to just smash Sharks is depressing. Watching the Flames play hockey is exciting.
This is awesome. I love hearing Simpson talk about how BIG that hit was. It's 3-1, but you'd think the Flames were up by 12.
Next goal=BIG GOAL.
Don't you know, 3-1 is a whole new game.
Plus Calgary has a solid game plan, paralyze all the Sharks and you have a good chance of winning the series...that is if your players don't get suspensions, but Natalie Portman showing up at Black Dog's house and declaring her undying love after reading his blog and becoming enamored of him is more likely.
Am I the only one who thinks that was an elbow that Sarich laid on Marleau? And if the Phanuef call on Marleau is an icing, doesn't that mean he didn't touch the puck thus making the crushing blow by Phanuef an interference penalty? Not trying to hate on Calgary but it appears all the complaining for three straight days about officiating has paid off.
I'm beginning to think the idea of "BIG HITS!" is even stupider than the idea of "BIG GOALS!"
On the other hand, surely the Flames' dominance in BIG HITS! colliding with the Sharks' dominance in BIG GOALS! will lead to the destruction of the universe when it comes time for the winner to be decided by the hockey gods. I, for one, am grateful, as I will never have to listen to Mark Lee and Craig Simpson again.
it was interesting hearing Simpson praise Phaneuf for playing Marleau and NOT the puck on the icing call. The NHL may talk about wanting to eliminate icing-related injuries, but clearly that's not how these guys (and former guys like Simpson) are hard-wired.
The NHL may talk about wanting to eliminate icing-related injuries, but clearly that's not how these guys (and former guys like Simpson) are hard-wired.
Well, it's logical, since Simpson was a finessey scorer whose career was ended by a back injury suffered in a senseless hit that... hey, wait, that doesn't make sense.
Maybe he's just kinda stupid. Would explain the powerplay.
Lee & Simpson were definitely overstating the whole "it's a brand new game" dealy (Christ, they're still down by 2), but WOW, what a hit.
Nice to see the many Oil fans suddenly remember they're concerned about violence in the NHL again. It's been a while, lads!
Nice to see the many Oil fans suddenly remember they're concerned about violence in the NHL again. It's been a while, lads!
It's been a while since the last time somebody went knee-on-knee with an Oiler. We're out of practice.
(I really sound bitter as I read through this thread. I'm not bitter at the Falmes: they can clearly get away with what they're doing so it's clearly to their advantage to keep doing it. I'm more irked at Lee and Simpson, who seem to think that Mike Tyson would be the best player in NHL history.)
Is anyone else hoping that the Beijing Olympics just turn into a complete and total fiasco? I'm pretty much over the Summer Olympics at this point. Bring on the tanks.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 9:07 pm
: April 13, 2008 9:07 pm Jesus Christ. Stock is presumably reading this off a teleprompter and there's just blood all over the studio.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 9:07 pm
: April 13, 2008 9:07 pm Well, that sucked.
But still 2 periods to go, if the Sharks can stomp all over us for 3 minutes, we can stomp all over them.
Personally, I blame Cosh for this state of affairs. it is one thing to wish my team well, but to wish my goalie good health absolutely crossed the line.
Go Flames.
Go Cujo.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 9:10 pm
: April 13, 2008 9:10 pm ...there's just blood all over the studio.
hahaha. Couldnt put it better myself. What is with this trying to convert ex-meatheads into analysts?
What is with this trying to convert ex-meatheads into analysts?
They've given up on trying goalies.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 9:14 pm
: April 13, 2008 9:14 pm What is with this trying to convert ex-meatheads into analysts?
I was wondering about that myself. The only thing I could come up with is that the ex-heady players have all moved onto better things or coaching, and the ex-meatheads are the only ex-players available.
Although that doesn't explain Hrudey, and he would have to be some kind of freak anomaly.
Calgary is down 3-2, and Simpson just said the Flames "have the game in their hands." Now, it's pretty clear that the Flames are taking it to the Sharks right now, but the last time I checked, being in front of a team in goals scored is more important than "momentum." Can we get a dose of reality here?
How proud must the league be that 3 of the 4 penalties called in tonight's game were un-findable on replay by the TV crew?
Well, sucking off the refs sure paid off for the Flames tonight.
Yes. Two PP's through 2 periods is clear evidence of that.
Couldn't agree more on the Olympics. Not only do our athletes have to inhale chalk all damn day over there, they also have to compete in a country run by the type of men the whole 'lest we forget' mantra was intended to deter.
Metro:
More like the fact that San Jose only has 2, and a call like that is made to put Calgary right back in the game.
The refs were reffing the score, and it worked.
pdo: I think you see Malice where incompetence is the more probable explanation. Did you see the Yelle "slash" that was called a minute into the game?
Metro:
Actually didn't... missed it while cursing at the Devils and taking a bathroom break.
That said, there were several hits when it was 3-0 that were certainly over the line... to not call a single one of those a penalty and then call the Maclean thing?
Man, that's reffing the score 101...
Though I can't disagree on incompetence ;)
My computer wouldn't let me comment before, so I'll state it again.
Best.Hit.Ever. I think I saw blood floating weightlessly in the air.
Really seemed to spark the flames. Props to Sarich.
I've officially and finally given up on Wayne Primeau. I can't name one thing he does well.
Well he is...err...big.
on a related topic, I don't understand why Moss was scratched tonight.
That 3rd goal was the worst of the bunch (the only one of the three that gave me an OH COME ON reaction). It looks even more disgusting now.
Oh no. Keenan is a real goalie guru. I'm very confident in this.
Oh yes, now I get it, Lowetide. [wink]
Also: very best of luck to the Flames tonight.
The Sarich hit is the TSN turning point. Two years ago, Ryan's teeth in triple overtime did the trick. This year, Corey's hit that made Marleau bleed out of two of the holes in his head is it.
Go Flames.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 9:59 pm
: April 13, 2008 9:59 pm "Oh no. Keenan is a real goalie guru. I'm very confident in this."
He's also fantastic with European players. Remember how earlier in the year he called out Huselius for his wonderful play? Kipper's European, so Mike Keenan must have a man-crush on this man in much the same way Maguire loves CROSBY!
Updated, grudging prediction: Flames tie it, Sharks win in OT. Why? Because someone up there hates me and wants me to suffer under the meme of the next couple of days, "the importance of the first goal".
19 of 20 games have been won by the team who scored first! Who cares if it's utterly absurd to connect winning in OT game to having scored the 1-0 goal! Good start! Critical! Gotta score that first goal!!11!1!111!ONE!111
At least Craig Simpson-Millions toned it down a little that period.
Not a lot mind you, but at least it wasn't like watching a local Flames telecast.
Flames are down by one but have hit a couple of posts and are really starting to carry the play and are cognizant of who's in net for them.
Young Mitchell really seems to have a bright future as a guy who helps you win hockey games but the Joe T./Cheechoo and Michalek troika have to seriously wake the fuck up.
Tying the game and this thread together, I think we should send Craig Simpson to Beijing. He'll be great covering the various events with statements like "Canada is 9th right now in the relay but it's only three-quarters over and when you think about it we've got Ghana right where we want them!"
"the Joe T./Cheechoo and Michalek troika have to seriously wake the fuck up."
They play like a bunch of wimpy teenage Russians when the opposition plays physical with them.
Fuck. Tie game. Who put the hex on?
Holy fuck Simpson.
Shut the fuck up. Dion Phaneuf did not mean to bank that puck off of Vlasic's foot and stick.
Christ.
Incredible heads-up play by Dion Phaneuf for shooting the puck three feet wide and fluking out to have Vlasic double-deflect the puck into the net.
Seriously. The guy has such a delicate grasp of the game that even when he hoses the puck wide by a great distance he can utilise magnetic fields to force players into precisely the right position for seemingly flukey goals. Now that's a hockey player.
(P.S.: BIG GOAL! Almost as big as the NEXT GOAL!)
Woo Hoo.
I wish nothing but the best for Joe T, Patrick M. and all of the Sharks. I hope Toskala remains healthy and avoids any sort of painful career limiting sprain the rest of the way.
I called this series at 5:12 of game 1. I'm recalling it now. These Sharks can't take the heat.
Go Flames.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 10:09 pm
: April 13, 2008 10:09 pm I called this series at 5:12 of game 1. I'm recalling it now. These Sharks can't take the heat.
Go Flames.
Funny, you were missing for the first hour and a half of this game.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season.
Jeez, while I'm thinking of a tag line for that San Jose pops one into their own net. Luck doesn't get much better than that.
"I hope Toskala remains healthy and avoids any sort of painful career limiting sprain the rest of the way."
Yeah, I bet he's wishing the very same thing from a golf course.
In Toronto.
Well you have to give the Flames credit here, they've worked their way back into this game.
If San Jose is going to win a Stanley any time soon, it might be time to man up.
Luck doesn't get much better than that.
Actually, Bruce, that was one of the most brilliant heads-up plays in the history of hockey. It's the kind of play that makes grown men weep, it was so beautiful. So says Pierre MacGuire...errr, Craig Simpson.
I expect the Flames to IGNITE on this next BIG GOAL.
If San Jose is going to win a Stanley any time soon, it might be time to man up.
I hate that I'm stuck defending these guys. It's a team of 20 robots.
Jeez, while I'm thinking of a tag line for that San Jose pops one into their own net. Luck doesn't get much better than that.
Sure it does... Roenick makes a great play in front, and the pass handcuffs Cheechoo by about 6 inches instead of being an easy tap in.
If San Jose is going to win a Stanley any time soon, it might be time to man up.
Pretty much. One of Thornton/Marleau/Cheechoo has to step up big here.
Wow, one more for the 'Things Wayne Primeau Doesn't Do Well' list: take the puck away from a guy lying on his back.
I think we should send Craig Simpson to Beijing.
Mark Lee too. I'm thinking Olympic Lawn Bowling is about his pace.
And I know this is horrible(-er) karma, but since I'm losing the Lombardi/Marleau bet, I'd like to press.
Fuck I hate the Flames' home unis. I got a 40-inch screen with HDTV and I still can't read their goddam numbers. Worst team for that west of the Rangers.
You know, in hindsight, having faith in the San Jose Sharks was always a bad move on our part, Oilers fans. Nobody can say we didn't have this coming.
Groan. The San Jose Sharks, everyone.
I guess the 3-0 lead really is the most dangerous lead in hockey (spits).
Curtis Joseph was CLUTCH tonight. He deserves to be in for the rest of the series. His entrance IGNITED the Flames into a HUGE comeback.
Flames in 5
Woo Hoo freaking Hoo
I guess we will just have to deal with the goaltending controversy ...
# posted by : April 13, 2008 10:39 pm
: April 13, 2008 10:39 pm There is no question, NO QUESTION, that the Flames are the superior playoff team.
That was the most amazing game I've listenend to since 2004. Absolutely amazing.
I'd like to thank all the Oilers fans for their kind support. You guys are the best.
If I were Doug Wilson, I'd fire Ron Wilson tomorrow morning.
Seriously.
San Jose should be no worse than up 2-1 in this series, yet they are down 2-1. What the fuck?
You know, in hindsight, Simpson was the Oilers assistant coach in 2006. There really was good reason for him to suggest the Flames were in the drivers seat when they down by three goals to the San Jose Sharks.
Did I say woo freaking hoo?
Is there a commenter on this board who has any faith at all that the Sharks (the Joe Thornton Sharks) can win this thing?
Go Predators.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 10:41 pm
: April 13, 2008 10:41 pm Thanks for all the class, Oilers fans. Karma, baby.
Thanks for sticking by your team after they've won, Dave. One Cup, baby.
You know that saying, "In the valley of the blind, the one-eyed man is king"?
In a similar vein, Patrick "Minus One" Thoresen would rule the Sharks' dressing room.
Fuck I hate the Flames' home unis. I got a 40-inch screen with HDTV and I still can't read their goddam numbers.
I got a 52 inch, i only have trouble reading numbers on their helmets :)
Is there a commenter on this board who has any faith at all that the Sharks (the Joe Thornton Sharks) can win this thing?
That's the worst part. There's not a single Oilers fan in the world comfortable with betting on the Sharks.
You guys learn nothing about hubris.
In fairness, they haven't exactly had a lot of opportunities to learn, what with the way they finished off the Kings in 92-93 when they were up 2-1, the Canucks in 1993-94 when they were up 3-1, the Sharks in 1994-95 when they were up 3-2, the Lightning in 03-04 when they were up 3-2 and the Ducks in 05-06 when they were up 3-2.
Shit, of the last 8 series in which they've led the series after 3 or 5 games, they've lost 5. That's astounding.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 10:51 pm
: April 13, 2008 10:51 pm As Dave Letterman would say, "I'm pretty sure that was somethin'"
Didn't it look like Ron Wilson, was mentally preparing his coaching resume after the fourth goal?
# posted by : April 13, 2008 10:52 pm
: April 13, 2008 10:52 pm It's become a series of "who can suck the least".
Or, "who can move on to be trounced in the second round".
Neither team's play instills a lot of confidence moving forward, ecspecially from a betting perspective.
Were the Sharks really undercoached, or were they just stupid? Thornton, for instance, is a dominant player who in the playoffs suddenly develops a mania for passing up great shooting opportunities in exchange for risky passes to teammates in worse positions. He's afraid to be the guy. Is that coaching?
Brian Campbell is trying to do too much: charging recklessly and giving up position way too often. Is that coaching, or is that just Brian Campbell gripping his stick too tight. A coach shouldn't have to tell his defensemen "don't screen your own goalie", but the Sharks were doing just that.
tyler: Just so you know, we DID finish off Tampa in game six, except the refs didn't agree.
But regarding hubris, who cares? We just came back from a three goal deficit to win. Can any of you honestly say that if your team just posted a comeback like that you'd be saying, "Well, the win was great, but I expect that Sharks will come back and take the series." Come on guys. What were you guys thinking after game 3 in 2006?
That was a BIG win for the Flames...
And I was at a bar, else I would have commented earlier...
Go Flames!!!
Crosby
Just so you know, we DID finish off Tampa in game six, except the refs didn't agree.
Yeah, Roloson didn't get hurt in G1 of the Finals in 2005-06 either. I was down at the imaginary Hall of Fame, looking at the imaginary Stanley Cup the other day...pretty sweet how there was an imaginary 03-04 roster inscribed right next to the imaginary 05-06 Oilers roster.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 11:08 pm
: April 13, 2008 11:08 pm Oh yeah, and you can't really use the '04 series as an example of the Flames losing a lead in a series, since we really won that in 6...
And there is video evidence to back that up (I don't care about Rollie being hurt, beacuse that did happen...) :P
Is that why your boys didn't show up for G7? Figured that the moral victory based on dubious video evidence was good enough?
Fuck, you guys satisfy easy.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 11:12 pm
: April 13, 2008 11:12 pm Come on guys. What were you guys thinking after game 3 in 2006?
If anything this was like Game Three against Dallas in '97 when the Oilers stormed back from a 3-0 deficit late in the third and won it in OT on a goal by Kelly Buchberger of all people. It was a #7 against #2 series; Oilers came home after splitting in Dallas and the Stars had every chance to squeeze the life out of the series in Game 3 and let it get away. From then on it was a fight to the death with the road team winning every game, but the Oilers started believing in themselves with that huge comeback. And unless I'm mistaken, Dallas began doubting themselves at the same time.
Best of luck to the Calgary Flames this playoff season.
You guys learn nothing about hubris.
IT ain't over till it's over.
In fairness, and as Andy pointed it, Peter didn't bother posting till the Flames had tied the game, and then again after they had won =).
A coach shouldn't have to tell his defensemen "don't screen your own goalie", but the Sharks were doing just that.
If screening your own goalie wasn't bad enough, Hrudey had them play the Thoresen clip, looping in the background, while he pointed out that Campbell should not have been screening his goalie, and if he's out there in that position he should be blocking the shot as he had ample position and time to do so.
Last of all, I have no problem with San Jose going down. Now is it too much to hope that Dallas proceeds to sweep Anaheim?
Tyler, are you pissed off 'cause Flames fans' are rejoicing? C'mon buddy, even Oiler fans' got to give us less stick than usual after a great win.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 11:25 pm
: April 13, 2008 11:25 pm Whatever. Peter had company tonight and he still snuck down to his basement where the game was on the (yes seriously) 120 inch screen and posted this:
Well, that sucked.
But still 2 periods to go, if the Sharks can stomp all over us for 3 minutes, we can stomp all over them.
Personally, I blame Cosh for this state of affairs. it is one thing to wish my team well, but to wish my goalie good health absolutely crossed the line.
Go Flames.
Go Cujo.
It wasn't much, but I was there, beginning to end, with my 2004 conference finals rally cap on when things looked the bleakest.
This series is so completely done. if the Sharks stretch this to 6, that will be the biggest surprise of round 1.
Go Predators.
# posted by : April 13, 2008 11:35 pm
: April 13, 2008 11:35 pm Joe T. has to be better, Cheechoo did manage to Almost;) have a scoring chance but Michalek is just invisible.
The Clowe/Marleau combination are making things happen and the Grier/Mitchell/Rissmiller line are up to the task but on the times Wilson let the PVP matchup stand vs Iggy, they got owned in terms of scoring chances for/against.
Post a Comment
<< Home
