Calgary Flames Coast To Win…No Seriously!!

Oct 19, 2014; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Jonas Hiller (1) makes a save on the goal line during the second period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

I consider a “coast to win” game, a game won by 3 or more goals.  It’s an event that only happened 7 times all of 2013-14.  Tonight was already the 2nd time this season the Flames have accomplished a “coast” win!!

Our Calgary Flames had another sluggish first period.  Thanks to Jonas Hiller, the Flames were only down 1-0 despite being outshot 13-6.

18 shots by our Calgary Flames in the 2nd period proved that Jets goalie Pavelec was not up to Hiller’s snuff and our Flames took a 3-1 lead.

After a TJ Brodie goal at the 3:18 mark of the 3rd period made it a three goal lead, the Flames COASTED to a 4-1 win!

1st period firewood

Lance Bouma blocked 3 shots on the first Winnipeg Jets powerplay attempt.  RESPECT!

Rafa Diaz had 2 BRUTAL TURNOVERS!  I fully expect Deryk Engelland to “magically” be all better and in the lineup Tuesday versus Tampa Bay instead of Diaz.

Johnny Gaudreau struggled defensively losing his man on the Jets sole goal of the period.  On the very next shift, Gaudreau was “pylon’d” by Jets defender Trouba rushing up the ice.  My preseason Calder Trophy expectations for Gaudreau are taking a beating BUT offensively Gaudreau was still more noticeable than Devin Setoguchi.

2nd period firewood

This is why I do period recaps.  Johnny Gaudreau went from goat to hero this period.  Biggest difference, the play was pre-dominantly in the offensive zone.  Gaudreau scored a beautiful wrap around goal on the powerplay.  Gaudreau had an even more beautiful pass to set up a Mason Raymond goal.

The Calgary Flames had as many shots during this period as they did the entire game on Tuesday in Chicago – – 18.

Coach Bob Hartley blendered his lines throughout the period.  Jiri Hudler and Sean Monahan were split up for the first time this season and put back together and split up again.

3rd period firewood

Coach Bob Hartley’s lines for the majority of the 3rd period

Glencross-Colborne-Setoguchi

Byron-Backlund-Hudler

Gaudreau-Monahan-Raymond

Bollig-Stajan-Bouma

Hard to get a read on the line combinations because of the “coasting” but Matt Stajan being demoted back to the 4th line so that Joe Colborne could slide back into center was the right move.  Colborne was on fire in the faceoff circle at one point winning four in a row.

Now the big question…who comes out for Josh Jooris on Tuesday versus Tampa Bay?