I was finally treated to some Flames goals on Saturday night, albeit goals mixed with sloppy defensive zone play. Course, a WIN would have been a nice bonus, but you can't always get what you want.
Anyways, without further ado, here's some impressions:
- The Flames overall defensive game is still lacking. They faced a pretty thin Oilers squad that didn't dress 2 of their primary difference makers (Hemsky and Penner) and still gave up 5 goals. The defencemen in particular all seemed pretty out of sync. Also, Kipper looks like his typical, mediocre, pre-season self.
- Calgary iced their top line of Tangs-Langkow-Iginla and they were dominant...whenever they were beyond the Oilers blueline. Otherwise, they mirrored the rest of the clubs defensive struggles. The trio generated numerous chances, popped a couple on the PP, but ended the night a combined -9. Shudder.
- I haven't seen anything impressive out of Adrian Aucoin yet. Adam Pardy looked better than Aucoin on Saturday.
- Dustin Boyd was, again, the best prospect on the ice. His play in OT was intelligent and creative and lead to an Oilers penalty and the Flames best scoring opportunity. He looks NHL ready to me, but might be forced to start the year in QC thanks to the roster already being full to the brim with centermen.
- Sutter, Germyn and Peters were all impressively feisty and physical. Peters in particular was throwing himself at any white jersey he came across.
- Anders Eriksson looked to be having a decent game...until he gave up the puck behind his own net during a PP, leading to the Oilers SH goal. It was the kind of mistake most PeeWee kids won't make. The term "Zyuzinesque" is going to be employed frequently this season, I think.
- Phaneuf is still losing assignments in his own end. Not that he's the only one.
- Owen Nolan has apparently injured his groin already.
Now that the Flames have proved they can score goals, it's time to see if they can prevent them. SJ comes into town tomorrow and will no doubt be a stiff test for the Flames defenders. Wins and losses are immaterial at this time of year, but I will be anxious to see some improvement in those areas that have proven to be "challenges" for the boys thus far.
