A much edgier hockey game was played in Winnipeg, with the former Jets club returning in the form of the Coyotes to take on the home side Flames; a rather strange look for old Hawerchuk fans.
The Yotes jumped into a two goal first period goal with Matt Keetley the unfortunate victim of some sloppy defense and some bad bounces.
A much headier second period with ample pressure tied the game up for Calgary, with Dion Phaneuf and Matt Pelech doing the honours.
Then the game was literally taken away in the third with the Flames pressing for the full twenty, out shooting and chancing the Coyotes and finally taking the lead on a goal by Daymond Langkow.
Making the Grade
Adam Pardy – Much the same from last night. Lots of ice time, and pretty much invisible as the young defender continues to make his case for a forced hand in the sixth or seventh spot. Picked up an assist.
Matt Pelech – More noticeable than Pardy, shots from the point, including a goal to tie the game in the second period. Probably not as sound in his own end as Pardy however.
Matt Keetley – Couldn’t be faulted on either goal, and was solid the whole way playing all 60 minutes. Moves laterally really well and is always in position. Quick hands.
John Armstrong – Slow start to the game, but came on big in the second half and especially the third. Had to golden chances in the third and stood out on a line with Wayne Primeau and David Van Der Gulik.
David Van Der Gulik – Tossed the body around all night and had an amazing first period move to blow by a defenseman and get a good shot on goal. Good pro.
Mixed Signals
Kyle Greentree – played physical, but just didn’t show his experience or gumption enough to make a case for sticking. Could be hampered from the rookie camp noggin knock.
Work in Progress
The Flames pretty much dominated this one … no players really stood out as over their heads.
New Kids on the Block
Rene Bourque – Simply the best player on the ice last night, and more of the same tonight as the ex-Hawk was stoned at least three times on his own before finally picking up an assist. In a battle with Boyd for a top six spot.
Andre Roy – a terrible first fight in Calgary silks, but a very solid hockey player when it comes to getting the puck out of his own zone or keeping an offensive play alive. Works for me.
Jamie Lundmark – solid effort, some good passing, but didn’t stand out over much younger options.
Mark Giordano – all over the ice with skating, blocking shots and working the powerplay. Has to quiet his game down, but overall a solid performance.
Ponder Points
Big games again from both David Moss and Dustin Boyd as both look to be much improved forwards, at least early in the preseason. With Moss, Boyd, and Bourque all quite sharp early Mike Keenan has some serious decisions to make in building a somewhat crowded top six.
The Pelech / Pardy battle is a real head scratcher. They are both big, both mobile, but both not afraid to jump into the play and contribute offensively. The team is in no rush, but both seem pretty calm for games that should push some jitters.
Goaltending edge to Keetley at this point? Does it matter with Curtis McElhinney secure with a one way contract and the younger player needing to find ice?
