Quips and Quotes: Flames beat Sharks 8-5

The Calgary Flames beat the San Jose Sharks by an 8-5 score on Monday night. Here are selected reactions from players and coaches following the game.

The Flames have had a few iffy starts this season, but this game was not one of them. They scored first, scored often, and led the game after 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Head coach Bill Peters put a positive spin on things when summing up the victory.

“I liked our start, I thought we started on time,” said Peters. “I thought all four lines found a way to contribute. And it was a passionate game. It was a hard-fought game. Everyone found a way to make a positive impact on the game.”

Peters noted that the team generated a lot offensively, but also gave up a lot defensively that they’ll want to tighten up in future games. He gave the Sharks some credit, though, noting that they’re a good team.

Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau had a four point game and shared the reaction from the locker room as they left the ice following a big win against divisional rival.

“A lot of happy faces,” said Gaudreau. “The team won a big game against a big team. A lot of happy faces in this locker room.”

This game got chippy as the third period wore on, particularly a big hit by Sam Bennett on Sharks forward Radim Simek. Bennett received no penalty on the play, but it was arguably a late hit and sparked off a bit of a melee involving Bennett and Sharks forward Barclay Goodrow.

Bennett and Goodrow each received fighting majors. Bennett also received a match penalty and Goodrow received the instigator for the fight.

As what happened with Ryan Lomberg earlier in December against Minnesota, Goodrow will get an automatic one game suspension unless the league is convinced his instigating had nothing to do with retaliating for the hit. Bennett’s hit will be reviewed for a combination of its lateness and its role in making a tense game a bit more out-of-control than it probably needed to be – and let’s be honest, the officials didn’t help matters in that regard.

“I think it’s a big game at this time of the year,” said Peters, commenting on the animosity in the game. “As big as you can get. We’re not at the halfway point yet, but there’s lots on the line.”

Shark goaltender Aaron Dell’s slash on a Flames forward during the third period will also likely be reviewed, because Player Safety reviews everything, especially after a wild finish.