THE SKINNY: FLAMES @ STARS - GAME 4
Flames look to even best-of-seven series at two games apiece
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GAME DAY VIDEO
Game Day with Brendan Parker
Pregame Interviews
GAME DAY FEATURES
'Take A Hit, Make A Play'
Say What - 'Still Got Our Swagger'
AT SUNDAY'S AVAILABILITY
'We're a Very Confident Team'
STAT PACK
Media Game Notes
Scoring Leaders
Head-to-Head Stats
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LEADING SCORERS:
Flames:
1. Elias Lindholm (2-0-2)
2. Johnny Gaudreau (0-2-2)
3. Matthew Tkachuk (0-2-2)
Stars:
1. Joe Pavelski (3-0-3)
2. Jani Hakanpaa (0-2-2)
3. Miro Heiskanen (0-2-2)
TEAM STATS:
Powerplay:
Flames - 8.3% (14th)
Stars - 9.1% (13th)
Penalty Kill:
Flames - 90.9% (5th)
Stars - 91.7% (3rd)
Shot Attempts:
Flames - 57.33% (2nd)
Stars - 42.67% (15th)
High-Danger Scoring Chances:
Flames - 50.00% (T-7th)
Stars - 50.00% (T-7th)
Trevor Lewis arrived at the podium and offered a candid take on the current state of affairs:
"We've got to dig down a little deeper," the veteran said Saturday, "and find out what we're made of."
Well, there's no time like the present.
It's crunch time for the Flames, who have a chance to even the series tonight and, in the process, regain that coveted home-ice advantage in this best-of-seven matchup.
A victory tonight would secure both, with Game 5 set to go on Wednesday in front of the C of Red at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
"We know that this series - the way the two teams play and the competitiveness and the similar styles - will probably go the distance, if not really close," said Matthew Tkachuk. "So, we have to come in here, win one game. A split is a great thing for us, get home-ice back, and I think that's all we have to think about right now."
No one said it was going to be easy.
The Flames are coming off a 4-2 defeat in Game 3 and now trail this best-of-seven series 2-1.
Joe Pavelski scored twice - including the game-winner on the powerplay with 9:55 to play - while Radek Faksa and Roope Hintz added singles for the Stars. Jake Oettinger turned aside 39 shots.
Lewis and Elias Lindholm replied for the visitors, while Jacob Markstrom stopped 28 of 31.
Games 1 and 2 were widely considered 'low-event' bouts, with the teams combining for only 16 high-danger scoring chances. But Game 3 was anything but, with the clubs combining for twice that many in only 60 minutes of action.
The Flames now need to focus on solving Oettinger, who was the difference on Saturday and now has league-leading .969 save percentage in the playoffs.
"I think we've been underdogs all year," Johnny Gaudreau said of the team's battle-back mentality. "No one expected us to be where we're at right now, so... Just keep that same mindset that we've had all year and I think we'll be fine."
Video: "We're doing a lot of the things we've done all year"
Matthew Tkachuk and John Klingberg have gotten to know each other quite well over the first three games.
The unlikely combatants wasted little time in Game 3, dropping the mitts less than 90 seconds into the contest.
"Last game, I wasn't expecting it, but I got chased around from the first second I got out there so I'm like, 'Alright, perfect,'" Tkachuk said. "But I think other than that, we just have to get the lead and if they want to play chippy, we can play that game. We can play a skill game. We can play any type of game.
"I know what gets me going in games and I know the way I need to play for this team to be successful. I know I kind of have to touch all aspects for that and just be engaged and I try to do that first shift, show how engaged I am."
Video: "Very low-scoring and very intense hockey out there"
There was a point in the first period of Game 3 when the Stars were cranking things up physically. Then, Calgary's bulldozers took to the sheet and completely altered the flow.
Lewis, Milan Lucic and Brett Ritchie got in on the forecheck, banged some bodies and imparted their will the only way they know how.
The result was a goal - and a huge one at that, as Lewis punched home a loose puck at the goalmouth.
But most importantly, it showed the value of these veteran players. The ones that have been there, done that, and have seen everything imaginable en route to a championship.
They were the ones that helped calm the waters.
"You look at our veteran guys, (they) were our best players," Sutter said. "It was the same with Dallas. Their veteran players were their best players. That comes down to growth and experience and that pressure situation, or that one foot, or that couple inches that you're talking about.
"That line was effective for us last night and as the series goes on, always, if you're just going to hang your hat on three or four defencemen and nine forwards, you're not going to win."
Video: CGY@DAL, Gm3: Lewis cleans up rebound for tie
Joe Pavelski on winning Game 3:
"This group - as you're challenged - this group has always responded well. I think the one reason you probably feel like we're a little better is everybody is really engaged and competing and hanging in there. All those things."
On Jake Oettinger:
"He's been making the saves he's had to. Then, he's made those timely ones for us. The guys are playing hard in front of him. There's been a lot of sacrifice with some big shot blocks along the way. He's stood tall and he's earned this opportunity. It's starting to show, which is great to see. It's helped us win these couple of games."
Head Coach Rick Bowness on chances both ways:
"We definitely can play better than we did (in Game 3). We gave them too many chances, too many shots. We won the game, we found a way, and that's the most important thing. Can we play better? Yes."
