Johnny Gaudreau And Calgary Flames Lose In Season Finale

Photo Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

It was definitely a memorable season finale in Vancouver for the Calgary Flames. I’m pretty sure that Johnny Gaudreau and Paul Byron will never forget it, as well as the entire Flames Family who witnessed it.

Bob Hartley was the man of the hour in the beginning of the game as he stuck it to Torts by starting the EnergyLine once again. On the front line was Brian McGrattan, Kevin Westgarth, and Lance Bouma while Mark Cundari and Chris Breen held up the blue line. I think we all knew it was going to be an interesting game. I’m still waiting to hear if Hartley will get fined again.

During the first period, Vancouver stepped up first, scoring two goals. David Booth and Daniel Sedin were credited with the only goals of the opening period. It was 2-0 for the Canucks heading into the middle frame.

The second period was when all the action happened. With two more goals by the Canucks, and the Flames down by four goals, Calgary came back in the second period. They played harder and tougher, with their never-quit attitudes worn on their sleeves, as we fans have been accustomed to throughout the season. With focus and perseverance, Johnny Gaudreau was in the right place at the right time and scored his first NHL goal in his debut. Congrats kid!

Not long afterwards, with the energy and livliness back on the Flames team, Paul Byron seemed to have taken it a step too far as he slammed Daniel Sedin into the boards. Sedin crumpled to the ice and was taken off on a stretcher after a few minutes. As a result, Byron got 5 and a game misconduct. Considering that Byron is not a malicious player and he’s not known for being dirty or hitting with intent to injure, I think that 5 and a game misconduct is a bit excessive. A major penalty would have been enough. This was his first infraction and I believe that no suspension is needed.

The Flames tweeted a post-game video of Byron’s thoughts on the situation. As Byron explained, he was “just trying to finish my check…I didn’t think it was a dirty hit…it wasn’t my intention.”

It’s never a good situation to see a player taken off the ice on a stretcher and we here at Flame For Thought send our thoughts to Daniel, and we hope he’s alright.

The Canucks came back to score one more goal in the second period to put Vancouver up 5-1 going into an uninteresting third period. The Flames fell to the Canucks by a score of 5-1.

*UPDATE: According to The Score, Paul Byron will not get suspended for his hit on Daniel Sedin. Player safety has made the right call in my opinion. Looking forward to seeing Byron in the first game back next season.