Amazing what a confident goalie can accomplish

The Flames are flying around scoring in buckets. They  scored five goals in the first period in two games in a row, against the Knights and Jets. The Flames were really using their speed.

Gaudreau snapped out of his slump and is really flying in the recent three-game homestand in which the Flames went undefeated.  The Flames have the confidence that they have a goalie who has their backs if they make a mistake in their defensive zone.

Monahan, Gaudreau, and Lindholm are hitting on all cylinders. The  Flames have finally found their first line right-winger.  They are playing with confidence like they never have before. Lindholm is a smart forward who is on the same page as Monahan. They each know precisely where the other is on the ice and are very responsible in their own zone.

Secondary Scoring

The second line might very well have the best player and the MVP of the Flames. Tkachuk is learning how to make things hard consistently. The second line has been a vital ingredient. All this because the Flames know if they make a mistake they know Rittich has their back.

Defence

The dmen are playing with more confidence. They are not skating on eggshells, they are not worrying about making mistakes, because they know Riitich has their back. It is amazing how not having to worry about making mistakes can help the defence.

Mr. Neal

Neal continues to struggle, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen him making strides of late. He is getting involved and seems to be working well with Janko and Bennett. I still have confidence in his abilities.

Do not be too upset with the game against the Stars. Yes, the Flames lost, but they ran into a very hot goalie. Anton Khudobin was outstanding, nothing more than that. Move on, be happy the team was able to get the point.

Moving forward, this team has to continue to play a full 60 minutes. It is time for this team to make a move if they are serious. The Flames have the talent; it is the time to show the will.

Randy