The Return of the Battle of Alberta

So what is going on with the Flames? The battle of Alberta is back; I can tell you that much. Thanks especially go to Tkachuk for his issues with Kassian. And how about Gio for his run at McDavid? Well, let's discuss these issues first.

Matthew Tkachuk vs. Zack Kassian

Tkachuk getting into people's heads is nothing new. This time Tkachuk took it to another level with Kassian. Three nasty hits directed at Zack Kassian. Some say the body checks were attempts to injure; some say they were clean. Where the truth lies is probably somewhere in between. I do think the hits were borderline, which means Tkachuk might have gotten away with something. The NHL has real concerns with concussion issues. Hits to the head have to be dealt with correctly. That said, I don't believe that Matthew was out to injure Kassian; just trying to get into his head. 

We all know how Matthews plays. Find the line, then gets as close as possible without crossing it. But when you poke the bear, sometimes there are consequences. Zack Kassian is one big bear. Matthew had Zack so tied up in knots that he looked like a crazy man looking to hurt someone. When Tkachuk refused to fight Kassian, he crossed the line. When you play rough, sometimes you have to pay the piper. Instead, Tkachuk poked the piper and ran off.  If you play as Tkachuk plays, you have to back it up. In the next game, Tkachuk faced Kassian like a man and the issue was resolved.

The Flames had no problem with the way Tkachuk played. That is the reason he is a star. Getting into people's heads is his game. He draws teams into silly penalties when they let their emotions get the best of them.

Mark Giordano hit on Connor McDavid

Mark's hit on Connor might not be such a big deal if not for the history. We all know Giordano hit McDavid, sending him into a rough rehab all summer. What bothers me is Giordano sticking out his knee to stop McDavid from getting ahead of him. There may not have been intent, but Gio has a history of borderline hits. At worst, it should have been a penalty. He did put that knee out ever so slightly.  Maybe an interference minor. I give him the benefit of the doubt, but you can't blame the Oilers fan for being upset. Connor is their bread and butter, so to speak.

David Rittich

BSD, of course, is the most charismatic goalie in years. I love his antics. Dave puts his life and soul into this game and has instantly built a reputation as a man's man. So when the first two shots hit the post followed by a poke check on Leon Draisaitl, you had to know that Rittich had something special in store for his celebration to end the game. David Ritttich throwing his stick adds fuel to the Holy War known as the Battle of Alberta. 

Conclusion

The NHL would not have it any other way; they have wanted the rivalry  back for some time. They might have every official they could think of there making sure the game does not get out of line, but they're like a parent scolding their kid in public for beating up the bully, but in private jumping up and down celebrating it.

Randy

What to do a couple of million?

So everyone but the kitchen sink is wondering what the Flames are going to do. They sent Frolik to Buffalo to clear cap. So the Flames are obviously shopping for a forward to add some scoring punch. All I know is that the Flames are looking to add a top-6 forward. Secondarily, maybe a number 5 or 6 dman. So what are people guessing? I will give you my insight on the top three names I have heard suggested. 

1. Jean-Gabriel Pageau

A lot of people figure Pageau will be on the Flames watch list. Pageau makes a lot of sense because he is a sniper, which the Flames are in dire need of. I also feel the Flames are weak down the middle in the Centre position. Thirdly, Jean-Gabriel is versatile; he is also capable of playing wing.

The downside: Pageau would be a straight rental. The Flames would like to grab a player with cap left.

2. Tyler Toffoli 

Toffoli is a big forward who would be a perfect fit for Monahan and Gaudreau. He is a sniper that can find space for others to pass to him. Tyler can distribute the puck very nicely. He has a rep for his smarts, and finally, he could be the right winger the Flames have been missing. 

The downside: The major problem is that Toffoli is known as a selfish player. There is a worry about whether he will fit in with the Flames. Again, he would be a straight rental. 

3. Chris Kreider

A gifted winger, Chris would fit in nicely. Chris has one thing above the other two players, and that is grit. The Flames really need grit. Kreider has the hands to get the ugly goals. He is not bad defensively and will add character to the Flames line-up.

The downside: Last year, the Flames tried to acquire Kreider and were told he was on their no-trade list. The Flames would have to convince him to waive his no-trade clause. Another rental player.

Randy

The honeymoon is over

The Flames are falling into the same bad habits as were evident when Peters was in charge. The team clearly got a boost with a new coach, and boom seven wins in a row.  Unfortunately, this honeymoon ultimately came to a crashing end. 

I don't want to go over why the Flames let Peters go. Everyone assumed that it was because of the system. But Coach Ward gave players more freedom, more say in the game. It worked for the first seven games. But when you let the inmates run the asylum, sooner or later you get anarchy, because sooner or later, a player does not get what he wants. That is what is happening now. Players are not happy. Ward can't please everyone, and right now, he is dying trying. So how many players are complaining?  No one knows, but I will tell you this; it only takes one. 

What makes this hard is that the Flames wanted the players to have a say. So how can they fix it? The Flames have probably told the players if they don't like what is going on, they should play themselves into the lineup.

When you have unhappy players, it affects their play. This team has to function as a team to succeed.

Unhappy players are not the only problem; the team is not working. The ones who are happy are still not doing what it takes to win. Either Coach Ward is not getting his message across, or the players don't care. Either way, there is a concern; the Flames are not putting in a full sixty minutes. 

Sam Bennett

One of the players who seems to get the message lately is Sam Bennett.

I see glimpses of what Sam can do. Bennett must continue to get in opponents' heads. He has to stop taking penalties.  Everyone takes penalties, but Sam has to limit the stupid mistakes. He can be an excellent pest. He can also be smart, which makes him a valuable asset.

T. J. Brodie

Another player that seems to be getting the message is T.J. Brodie.

Brodie has been one of the best Dman down the stretch of late. He is learning when to pinch and when to stay back. More importantly, he is getting his legs back. Brodie is playing like the young Brodie in his early years.

So there are some positive signs. The problem is inconsistency. Previously, they would take a vacation during the second period. Lately, it has been the first period. The Flames must get back to basics. The leaders have to lead by example. It's time to buckle down.

Randy