Belfour did play bad. The backup came in and didn't let in a goal. The goals we scored were hardly his fault though (ok maybe one).
Kobasew's goal was a beauty. The guys did play hard, and maybe the veteran's playing light to prevent injuries is right, but you could tell the young Flames can compete. To keep Jokinen in check that much to only allow one goal is an accomplishment with Brad Ference, Mark Giordano and Richie Regehr dressed. (Ference was the worst of the 3, but if he's our #9 defensemen, then having an injured Phaneuf, Regehr, AND Hamrlik will not hurt near as much as Vancouver's Jovo Ohlund Salo injuries last year)
Prust and Germyn made some very good plays, and have proper hockey sense. With any more excessive offensive injuries, those are the guys I see getting called up first.
Boyd has the skills, but he still has some things he needs to learn.
Kris Chucko does seem like a bust as has been said, but he may not be a complete loss just yet. I saw some superb forechecking from the guy.
While the opposition wasn't as seasoned in the defensive end like most NHL competition (see Luongo's shots against last year) Kobasew looked much more impressive than I've seen him. Lundmark showed that my bragging about him is somewhat warranted (he ain't the greatest centre ever, but he's skilled, smart, and a steal for a 4th round draft pick).
Huselius was his usual offensive zone puck-handling machine, while Boyd was a puck moving machine. He could get it past the blue line with ease in most situations.
Krahn had a fire in his ass (and still does). You can tell that he REALLY wants a roster spot this year. MacLennan will likely get it simply due to experience and age, but Krahn is legitimate, and I wouldn't put him into career backup status just yet. If he does play in Omaha this year, he can be legitimate trade bait for a cap strapped team with a bad goalie. (remember....his backup used to be Cam Ward, and then Ward got to play in the playoffs since we only shared that affiliate back then).
Andrew Ference played like his 05-06 PLAYOFF self, which has me excited as well. He was murdering the Panthers on the penalty kill, applying constant pressure, and forcing passes and shots.
I am in the Mark Giordano > Richie Regehr camp, but I would feel confident pairing the 2 and putting them on an NHL line. These guys would be in Florida's lineup without a doubt, and likely Edmontons as well (over Bergeron and Smid/Hejda unless those guys surprise).
Hamrlik looks like he should be ready to go to his usual old injury free machine mode this season. That guy is good when healthy, and you'll all see that 3+million for him, is a good deal.
Byron Ritchie was impressive compared to last year. Looked more solid out there. The experience from last year was definitely a factor. He's playing smarter.
Eric Godard....is unrealy huge. I'd have rather kept Simon, but cap, money, etc....and while Simon is a MUCH better hockey player (Godard has the shot of Ryan Smyth, and the skating of half of Chris Pronger) but he can hit, and he is gigantic. If momentum is hinged on a fight, he will come through (and will probably not be iced most nights, so it's ok)
Lombardi as we know is faster than an SRT4, and had some impressive plays as well tonight.
I didn't pay enough attention to David Moss, or Van Der Gulik (except for laughing that the "V" and "k" in his name almost go to his triceps on the jersey). I'll be back with another huge summary after next game.
