The Calgary Flames had a rollercoaster start to the year against their rival Vancouver. The game started off with a ton of sloppy play and chances at both ends. Then midway through the first period, J.T. Miller would land a massive hit on Flames forward Kevin Rooney, and the game would change. The borderline hit completely changed the game as it led to Flames penalties and Vancouver power-play goals. The chaotic first period ended with a 4-1 Canucks lead. However, the Flames didn’t quit and battled back over the next two periods, eventually winning the game in overtime. Through a hockey game that had it all, there was lots to love and hate about the Flames performance, but there were at least three big positives the Flames can build on as the season progresses.
Three Positives For Flames To Start The Season
Vladar Provides Stability
Heading into the new season, the talk in Calgary has mostly been about the Flames’ other goaltender, Dustin Wolf. He’s more than proven himself in the AHL winning an MVP and two goaltender of the year awards. Fans have been asking to see Wolf in the NHL and find out if he can continue his success against the best competition. However, the Flames elected to start Dan Vladar in game one of the season. Vladar delivered a stellar performance for the Flames. Don’t let the 5 goals against foul you. The Flames’ sloppy play and parade to the penalty box in the first period could have looked worse if not for Vladar. He stood tall in the first period where the Flames were outshot 15-5. Then following the first period he took care of business as the Flames battled back. He was key in helping to secure a win that in all honestly the Flames probably didn’t have any business getting after their start.
This start was a big positive for the Flames and Dan Vladar. Coming off hip surgery it was unknown what to expect from Vladar. A performance like this provides reason to think Vladar can provide the Flames with above average-goaltending and a steadying force opposite the young hope, Wolf.
Early Dividends From Mantha
Anthony Mantha came to Calgary on a one-year prove-it deal, if the season was only one game, he would be in line for a substantial raise. Mantha did everything in this game for the Flames recording a Gordie Howe hat trick. When the Flames signed Mantha this offseason the talk was all about his shot and how he could help Jonathan Huberdeau get back to the player he was in Florida. However, Mantha showed he can do so much more. As one of the newest players on the team, he stepped up to answer the bell when teammate Kevin Rooney was injured on a hit by J.T. Miller. At first, Mantha was a little too excited and took a penalty trying to get Miller to drop the gloves. He quickly made up for his mistake however as he jumped out of the box and picked off a pass in his own end before racing down the ice and scoring on a nice backend goal. The effort showed off Mantha’s skill and skating. Shortly after, Mantha dropped the mitts with Miller to stick up for his teammate.
Mantha brought his A-level effort to game one and did it all. He appeared engaged the whole 60 minutes and looks to be fully bought into the Flames team. In the past Mantha has been accused of being a player who at times can disappear. He has a long way to go in proving he’s not the player of the past, but after one game he’s showing positive signs he can be an impact player for this team.
No Quit
Outside of the individual efforts, the biggest positive coming out of game one is the effort. The Flames have heard all off-season how they aren’t a playoff team, and they are rebuilding. Heading into the first intermission down three goals to a team with playoff and Stanley Cup aspirations, it would have been easy for the Flames to pack it in. Instead, the group showed great resilience. They steadied their play from the sloppy first period and slowly battled back. They turned the ice in their favour and pushed until they took a 5-4 lead. Then again, the Flames were faced with another deflating moment. With the goalie pulled the Canucks were able to tie the game late. But in overtime, the Flames sealed the deal and secured the win.
This group is young and unproven. There will be plenty of mistakes and the Flames will need to be resilient and undeterred when mistakes happen. This game was the perfect script to show what this team could be if they bring a strong effort even when things aren’t going their way.
Looking Ahead
The start to the Flames season had a little bit of everything and provided great entertainment. Fans shouldn’t expect to see this type of high-scoring affair too often, but if the Flames can build on these positives they could find themselves over-achieving on expectations this year.
Main Photo: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
