Pacific Semi: (1) Calgary Flames vs (WC) Colorado Avalanche

[saucelife90]

Avs in 6

Matt Tkachuk is a dirty player and should get laid out next game.

He's been a mutt ever since he entered the league, nothing new. The Flames were outplayed from the drop of the puck, and he was a big reason why. Let him keep taking stupid penalties, and make him pay on the scoreboard.

[lucafen4]

This series really could go any direction. Both teams have had a dominant game. I trust Grubauer more than Smith at this point though...

[Axeman33]

I don't trust either goalie and that's why I think it could go either way.

[Zorro]

Avalanche have really taken over this series, wow!! MacKinnon is a beast!!

[Shift Disturber]

I don't trust either goalie and that's why I think it could go either way.

Interesting you would say that, as many Flames fans were hoping that the team would acquire Grubauer before he went to Colorado. A bigger problem than goaltending this series so far for the Flames is that the 1-2 center combo of Monahan and Backlund is not adequate for a top-end team. I think Monahan is getting exposed as he is not a #1 center. They have also been outplayed by Colorado in three of the past four matchups between these two teams, going back to their final meeting of the regular season.

[Axeman33]

How do you see Monahan getting exposed? What exactly is it that you are finally seeing now?

[Shift Disturber]

How do you see Monahan getting exposed? What exactly is it that you are finally seeing now?

Monahan has never been a no. 1 center and while he's an excellent complementary player and finisher, it's Gaudreau and Lindholm who drive possession on that line. The Flames have relied on Backlund's line to shut down the other team's top line and to move the puck into the offensive zone, then over the boards comes the Gaudreau line. I have always been concerned that the Flames top two centers are not adequate for a contending team, but the goaltending was the more pressing issue and they were also a top possession team over the past couple of seasons so the center issue didn't seem to matter. After game 1, when Backlund neutralized MacKinnon, the Flames centers have been getting killed possession-wise. If Backlund doesn't do his job, Monahan is not capable of steeping up to drive play.

[Axeman33]

Interesting. I've never had an issue with Monahan as a 1C. He's not a superstar like MacKinnon, but holds his own very well IMO and there's very few superstars like MacKinnon in the league anyway. Just my thoughts but it was interesting to hear your critique.

[Shift Disturber]

I think the head to head nature of playoff hockey exposes a team's weaknesses much more readily than regular season play. Kind of like stroke vs match play in golf. Perhaps that's why we see so many upsets (based on the standings) and the playoffs are so hard to handicap.

[lucafen4]

He'd be a solid #3C for my Leafs...

[Axeman33]

He'd be a solid #3C for my Leafs...

He's an upgrade from Kadri.

[lucafen4]

He's an upgrade from Kadri.

Yup, who's the current #3C... well, for a couple more months.

not intending to derail the entire thread into Leafs...

Monahan & Cgy just need to be better as a whole in game 4. If they win... concerns over Monahan as #1C will die down. It's amazing what winning will do.

[ShawneePanthers]

Well the whole Calgary Flames team is getting exposed. 57 shots against in the last game, you can’t blame that on goaltending.

[rataylor22]

He'd be a solid #3C for my Leafs...

An NHL owner on this lil ol forum? Amazing.

[lucafen4]

An NHL owner on this lil ol forum? Amazing.

Real fans always take ownership of the team they cheer for