Not their best effort and team needed some good saves and some luck around the net to preserve the win.
Good
Zadorov - thought he was far and away their best d-man. Just ruled at his blue line forcing everything wide and deadending the play in the corner. Rushed and moved the puck with authority. I'd say a must keep and with more emphasis on off season training and more work with Canuck defense coaches, we're talking perhaps a game controlling player. The skill and athletism are all there.
Garland - plays so consistently well. Worked better with Pettersson in this one. Game in, game out he produces.
Pettersson - good two way game. However, you wish that he would hit holes a little better and not get so tied up by engaging so much with the d-men. If he calms down and just seek out open space Garland is going to find him. Less is sometimes better with Petterssson
Hoglander - becoming a top offensive player on the team. Has talent and quickness. If he continues with his development then he will be a huge cap bonus next year.
deSmith - very good game. Only thing beating him was tips off his own defensemen. Watching Pearson the other night, you have to conclude the deSmith trade was a complete steal.
Mikheyev - his forcheck has become a key weapon. Using the body more and a big contributor to the good defensive game the team is playing.
Hronek - had to put out some fires around his net and was getting to loose pucks. Did a lot of covering back for others and moved puck well
Bad
Juulsen - stunk. Continually had trouble getting the puck out and alot of the Flames rallies started with a Juulsen poor attempt at clearing his zone. Got standing around in the crease forcing deSmith to force his away around him to see or get to the puck. Tried to do too much sometimes leading to poor turnovers. Best thing the Flames had going for them in this game was Juulsen.
Others
Blueger - invaluable PK man. In a way good that he isn't scoring since easier for the team to get him back
Boeser - if he is not scoring he can't help you meaning the contract hurts. Player like Garland doesn't have to score to help b/c he breaks up plays in every zone, can play thru traffic and can skate with the puck. Will continue to insist that if they can move Boeser in the off season and use the money to keep defensemen like Zadorov and Hronek this team will be better off. Hoglander maybe able to assume Boeser's role next season. And hopefully Podkolzin is able to assume some of what Hoglander does. Plus you get whatever you can get in trade for Boeser. Boeser is trying to play two way hockey but I don't think it there at anything near a high level.. If he tries to focus on defense, he can't get up ice to score, and if his focus is on offense then he can't get back to defend. That's the way I see it.
Little like Kumenko - who just didn't seem to be in the play in this one. Glad to see the fans salute him - one of the most likeable players ever. Also glad again to hear the Miller salute (people know where it's at). Not Miller's best game but put the hammer down on the late PP.
