2010 Flames Get Early Lesson in the New Year

The Flames went north to Laconia to open the new year, and for about fifteen minutes of hockey they looked like they might have a chance to be competitive in the game against Lakes Region. That didn’t last much longer though.

Lakes Region went on to win the game 7-1. The Flames had tied the game at 1-1 early in the second period but then wave after wave of Lakers skaters took the game to the Flames. Manchester looked like they were skating up river against an oncoming wave of momentum. The thing about momentum though (I reminded my son), is that momentum is usually caused by players creating their own ‘good luck’ if you will, with good energy and flawless execution. Honestly, I don’t have any issue whatsoever with games like today because it really is an accelerated, hands-on, learning opportunity. Every time the Flames were out of position, or made a mistake, or took a shortcut, or tried to be a one-player team, the Lakers made them pay for it. That’s how it should be if you are willing to learn and to work hard on improving as a player, and a team. The Flames gave up breakaways, 2-on-0 rushes, and goals in front of their net with little resistance. Goaltending wasn’t the issue, and the visitors only managed a handful of shots on goal themselves. But really, it’s all good, as long as the team bounces back and learns from the experience. I am confident they will. The great thing about sports is that the Flames will be back on the ice early tomorrow morning, against another good team, and measurement will commence.

I took well over 100 pictures at the game this morning and managed to scrape these pictures into this little recap. Please enjoy! I love this team and this morning wasn’t their morning as they played a good team with a lot of great skaters and tremendous structure to their game. I look forward to tomorrow.