Post by CalgaryGM on Dec 9, 2005 22:25:06 GMT -5
Calgary, AB- Team speed was once again a factor for the Flames tonight in their win over the Sabres.
"Our speed is really starting to work for us," said GM Drummond after the game. "In the off season we targeted some players that combined speed, defense and finesse. We found a few players that fit the mold and they're fitting in quite nicely. With the speed we already had and the addition of the new guys, the team is starting to gel. With points in 6 straight games, two of them OT losses, we've moved into 1st in the Northwest Division. I don't envision us staying in 1st place, it is still early yet. I expect the talent level on Colorado and Vancouver will push them into 1st and 2nd and we'll be fighting it out for 3rd or 4th and a playoff spot when all is said and done."
The Flames were slow to get started in the game. Buffalo would score the first and their only goal of the game at 3:50 of the 1st period. Jamie Storr, the games 1st star, made some spectacular saves and stopped 14 shots in the 1st to keep his team in the game. Don Sweeney, getting into his 5th game of the season due to the injury to Max Kondratiev, scored Calgary's 1st goal with a seeing eye shot from the bluline. The puck went through about 4 players before finding it's way behind Mika Noronen at 5:25. Reinprecht scored shortly after that at 8:24 when there was a goal mouth scramble and Noronen was unable to smother the puck.
The Flames picked up the pace in the 2nd period and never let up. Out shooting the Sabres 27 to 16 in the final two periods. Although there was no scoring in the 2nd period the Flames set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Flames closed out the scoring in the 3rd with two PP goals, by Lukas Krajicek and Jan Hrdina 26 seconds apart, one goal with a two man advantage.
"The guys are starting to buy into the system I've presented them with. We don't have the talent to compete with some of the teams in the league, like Ottawa, as witnessed by our 8-1 pasting. We need to utilized our speed and finesse to take advantage of other teams weaknesses," stated coach Sutter following the game.
Next Up: The Flames get the weekend off before travelling to Florida to take on the Panthers.
This is Scoop Newsworthy reporting from the Saddledome.
"Our speed is really starting to work for us," said GM Drummond after the game. "In the off season we targeted some players that combined speed, defense and finesse. We found a few players that fit the mold and they're fitting in quite nicely. With the speed we already had and the addition of the new guys, the team is starting to gel. With points in 6 straight games, two of them OT losses, we've moved into 1st in the Northwest Division. I don't envision us staying in 1st place, it is still early yet. I expect the talent level on Colorado and Vancouver will push them into 1st and 2nd and we'll be fighting it out for 3rd or 4th and a playoff spot when all is said and done."
The Flames were slow to get started in the game. Buffalo would score the first and their only goal of the game at 3:50 of the 1st period. Jamie Storr, the games 1st star, made some spectacular saves and stopped 14 shots in the 1st to keep his team in the game. Don Sweeney, getting into his 5th game of the season due to the injury to Max Kondratiev, scored Calgary's 1st goal with a seeing eye shot from the bluline. The puck went through about 4 players before finding it's way behind Mika Noronen at 5:25. Reinprecht scored shortly after that at 8:24 when there was a goal mouth scramble and Noronen was unable to smother the puck.
The Flames picked up the pace in the 2nd period and never let up. Out shooting the Sabres 27 to 16 in the final two periods. Although there was no scoring in the 2nd period the Flames set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Flames closed out the scoring in the 3rd with two PP goals, by Lukas Krajicek and Jan Hrdina 26 seconds apart, one goal with a two man advantage.
"The guys are starting to buy into the system I've presented them with. We don't have the talent to compete with some of the teams in the league, like Ottawa, as witnessed by our 8-1 pasting. We need to utilized our speed and finesse to take advantage of other teams weaknesses," stated coach Sutter following the game.
Next Up: The Flames get the weekend off before travelling to Florida to take on the Panthers.
This is Scoop Newsworthy reporting from the Saddledome.