In their first game of the season the Flames were in mid-season form, passing their way to victory 10-3 over the Bruins Thursday night. Six different Flames scored and Alex Garceau – last season’s runner-up in the scoring race – dished out seven assists. All night long, the Flames drew in defenders and then moved the puck across the slot, leaving Bruins goalie Tim Driscoll with little chance to reign in the offense. The Flames also scored two short handed goals, including a highlight-reel backhand to the top shelf by Doug Coates, and added a power play goal as well. Returning players Coates, Dave Santiano, Rodney Tortorich, and Jim Doyle each had two goals on the night, with rookie Mike Hoye chalking up a goal and two assists.

The Bruins got 35 shots off on Flames’ goalie Luis Galvao, but he stopped 32 of them. He snuffed out Frank Plati’s shorthanded bid late in the second, and made timely saves every time the Bruins looked like they were pulling together. Newcomer Brian Werner, got the first goal for the Bruins, with Corey Orehek and Dennis Dudley burying the team’s other two goals. Defenseman Kyle Smith kept pushing his team by moving the puck up the ice all night. He earned two points for his efforts. The Bruins played hard until the end, but their best chances tended to clank off the glass behind the net.

With one game under their belt, the Bruins will have the experience edge as they host the Penguins’ first game of the season next Thursday night. The Flames have the first of their two byes and are off next week.

Admin notes: shots were 35 Bruins to 31 Flames. Each team took three minor penalies. And both teams had perfect attendance for the night.