Matching desperation, adversity, and Colorado’s power play: Notes before Game 2

Both clubs congregated at the Scotiabank Saddledome prior to Game 2 between the Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche. Here are the main takeaways from both clubs’ morning skates.

Anticipating the Avalanche’s desperation

Roles were reversed a bit from Game 1 at morning skate, with the Flames a bit looser on the ice and the Avalanche looking a bit tight. Following their skate, Flames captain Mark Giordano impressed upon the importance of being ready for the start of the game.

“We want to protect home ice, obviously, and they’re going to be that much more desperate tonight,” said Giordano. “They’re going to want to obviously try to even it up and we want that second one. A lot of intensity, it’s…