In my opinion, what we saw on Saturday was not the best version of the 2010 Flames in-game skills. It was not a true depiction of their improved development as players, as a team. I left West Side Arena late in the afternoon, muttering to myself, “Where are we, as a team?”, “What is their hockey IQ?” and “What a comeback!” all at the same time.
After defeating last year’s Winter Classic NH Runner-Up, Presque Isle, Maine on New Year’s Eve, the Flames earned a spot in the 2022 Winter Classic Championship Game and a chance to win this tournament in back to back years. It would take extra time to decide the winner, but what a game! What a finish!
On Saturday, the 2010 Flames were scheduled to play a pair of games in the 2022 Winter Classic. They opened with a convincing win over the Maine Gladiators-Black squad. Then they played last year’s Winter Classic Runner-Up from Presque Isle, Maine. The Flames dominated puck possession and limited the scoring chances for their opponent in a 3-1 win.
The 2010 Flames opened the 2022 Winter Classic with a Friday evening game against the Franklin Flyers. The Flames prevailed in this one and will play two more games tomorrow.
The 2010 Flames played an early morning hockey game on Christmas Eve. They played a familiar foe, in the Monarchs. The Flames were able to get a very early lead, and then they held the lead for the rest of the game. This time, there was no blown lead and the Flames skated to a 5-3 win at West Side Arena.
The 2010 Flames played games on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. They did win one, almost came back in another, and got smoked in the last one. All I can say, and that I can hope, is that they are finding their way.
The 2010 Flames won a game on the road and lost a game at home, well kind of home. It was one up one down for the weekend. They are learning more every time they are on the ice.
This weekend’s time commitment was shortened by a pair of games being removed from the team’s schedule. Still, the 2010 Flames had all they could handle in the games they did play this weekend. They just seemed to be one step behind.
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend found the 2010 Flames competing in the Turkey Shootout 2022 hockey tournament. The Flames would end up playing five games in the space of 48 hours en route to a Championship bid.