Post Game Analysis – Avalanche @ Flames – 3-2 Avalanche Too Little Too Late

October 28, 2009 – 10:04 pm

First Period
Don’t let the score fool you. The Flames simply made two mistakes and got burned on both of them. The rest of the period was as near to perfect as one could ask for. The Flames started the very first shift with a brilliant chance, and then Iginla’s line came out and Iginla stepped into the offensive zone and got the party started. Less than twenty seconds later Jokinen went around the net and slipped it off of an Avalanche player and the Flames had a two goal lead less than two minutes in. From that point forward the Flames were solid. They were mostly very smart defensively, with great positioning. They blocked a great many shots and managed to keep most of the Colorado chances to the outside. Offensively the Flames were strong as well. They had a very strong fore check and threw the body heavily. Bourque, Nystrom, and Moss notably hammered the players they had in the trolley tracks. As I said earlier only two mistakes in that frame. The first Colorado goal was due to not getting the puck cleared from the Flame’s zone and a tip past Miikka. The second goal came when the Flames got scrambley in front of the net, and no one was able to get the puck, Miikka included. No real blame on the second goal, as it was just one of those plays that happens.

There was no a single infraction called in the opening period. Personally I thought there should have been a call when the Colorado player slammed into Pardy and Miikka. Also Dion should have been penalized for the blatant hook mid way through the period, but if the Referees wish to leave the whistles in their pockets I will not complain too loudly.

Well, Iginla and Jokinen with the goals thus far. Love to see them finally making the offensive contributions. They both look engaged in the play and ready for a battle. This is the first time I’ve seen Jokinen look this into a game thus far this season. Man Nystrom and Bourque. I cannot extol their respective play enough. Seriously these two players exemplify what we the Flames Faithful want to see from every player in the Flaming C. Hard hits, hard play, great effort. And an overabundance of grit. You could create a sandpaper company off of those two alone! Don’t be hard on Miikka for the two goals against. He had no chance on either one, and has been rock solid that whole period.

Second Period
A much slower start to the second frame, but nonetheless a much better overall period by the Flames. They were much more physical, hitting almost everything that moved. They also controled the neutral zone and caused a great many turnovers. The fore check was again phenominal. They also created a large amount of traffic in front of Anderson, and peppered him with shot after shot. Defensively the Flames were incredible. A brilliant back check by the Forwards, and smart positioning. Again lots of blocked shots, and everyone was active in the passing lanes. Near to a picture perfect period, but I would have asked for some power play scoring.

The power play started very slowly on the first chance, but they certainly got it together in a hurry. The cycle on both chances was superb and they generated a lot of shots on the first chance. The second chance was all about movement. Quick accurate passes, but I think they needed to shoot more. The shots that did get through to Anderson he was able to stop. The penalty kill was flawless. Face off wins and smart clears. Bourque created some offense too, charging into the zone where he was hooked/tripped down (no call BAH!) and then seconds later he and Conroy stormed back into the Colorado zone and tried again.

Rene is such an amazing player. Lets get him signed again for three million years. He never quits on the puck, hits hard, and always shows the level of intensity and effort that any coach would love. Speaking of love, I wonder how Foote feels about Sarich running him over. That was truly a destructive hit. I love this part of Sarich’s game. Regehr has finally returned. His positioning and play in this game so far has been exactly what we have come to expect from him. Also he’s extended his point streak to four games! Welcome back to The Tunnel of Death, as a few Colorado players will attest to. Heck a few of them hesitated before trying to sneak past him.

Third Period
The Flames started the third a little slow, but still defensively sound. They then turned around and created a few great offensive chances. The the wheels fell off the bandwagon, and Wolski marched through three defenders, and then put it behind Miikka for the game winning goal. The Flames finally turned it on with five minutes remaining in the third frame but Anderson was simply too strong a puzzle for the Flames to solve and Wolski’s goal stands as the winner. When the Flames were strong in the third they fore checked really well and hit very hard. But the Avalanche played a smart neutral zone game and denied the Flames any time or space to get the puck into the offensive zone.

The power play was bad. Really bad. Horrible passing, no puck control, and an inability to hold the zone. They did create a couple chances but, again, Anderson was more than up to the task. The penalty kill was incredible. Lots of blocked shots, great clearing and smart sticks in the lanes, both shooting and passing.

Overall Impressions
The Flames played a solid game. They only made a few mistakes and Colorado made sure to capitalize on them. My only real anger moment was when everyone let Wolski saunter in and make our defence look so horrible. The Flames should be mostly happy with this game, but honestly, yet another lead wasted and two points squandered. A four point game when you are speaking divisionally.

Three Stars By Me
1. Craig Anderson
2. Wojtek Wolski
3. Rene Bourque
HM: Robyn Regehr and Jarome Iginla. They both brought their compete to the rink tonight.

Next up the Flames host the ailing Red Wings on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.

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Post Game Analysis – Flames @ Blue Jackets – 2-1 Jackets – Another Wasted Lead

October 13, 2009 – 7:44 pm

First Period
A picture perfect Flames Hockey Period. The boys in the Flaming C did all the little things, and did them correctly too. Hard hitting, fast fore checking, grind it out hockey. What we the Faithful have come to expect from this team, and they gave it to us in spades. I loved how not a single Flames looked lazy, or slow out there in the first. They were firing on all cylinders. The forwards were also very responsible defensively, especially Langkow who got back to stop a couple plays, and made a few blocks. Also of note is that Brent Sutter broke up the Iginla Jokinen line combo. And it looks to be working as both players are looking much more comfortable and are both looking much more dangerous in their new lines. It’s Bourque and Glencross with Jokinen and with Iginla is Sjostrom and Langkow. And say what you will but the Flames have looked far better tonight with one goal than they did last night with five goals.

The penalty kill was flawless for the whole minute and a bit they had to work. Miikka with a couple big saves, and the rest was all smart positioning and heavy puck pressure. Then Nash got called for high sticking and there was some four on four play. During the four on four nothing much happened. Both teams took a shot or two but nothing really seemed dangerous. The power play was only fifty three seconds, and looked really strong for all of it. They may have not scored, but they did every thing else right. They had excellent movement and accurate shots. Given a full power play I have no doubt they would have scored.

No one player was bad at all. Not a single one. Nystrom of course stands out, but that’s because the guy oozes grit, and it finally seems to be rubbing off on everyone else. Glencross was really smart when he made for the front of the net to tip in the point shot, and kudos to Bourque for not giving up on the puck and getting that shot off!! And Miikka was superb that frame. He looked so strong in the net, and was near to perfect positionally. Sarich is huge tonight. He’s laid out a player or two and is looking just as strong as he always does. And Regehr has been exponentially better than he was at any point thus far. He’s getting that angry face mentality back again and it’s beyond time for it. Now the Boys of the C must continue the same way and not let up even an inch.

Second Period
Well the Flames were pretty good this period. They certainly didn’t play as strong as they could have, but on the whole the Flames were smart defensively and pressed offensively. Probvlem is the Blue Jackets came out on fire and really brought the physical game to the Flames. The boys in red did respond in kind, but were not initiating the physical play. A few bone head plays brought on penalty trouble and that is the reason the Jackets have the lead after two. You can’t blame Miikka for either of those goals either as he has been spectacular. Both goals he was completely handcuffed on and there was nothing he could have humanely done to stop them.

The penalty kill was not exactly successful. Mind you a five on three was the only “real” power play goal for the Jackets, but the second goal was milliseconds after the second half of the five on three and a direct result of the extended power play. The defensive gaffs were only two, but those two were definitely capitalized on.

Giordano has got to stop taking these bad penalties. That’s twice this game and one of them cost us. Sarich (outside of his penalty) has looked magnificent thus far. And Bouwmeester has made himself indispensable! He makes all those pretty little super smart plays that make any coach so very happy to have them on their own teams.

Third Period
Well the Flames were better in the third than in the second, but it still wasn’t enough. They started the final frame basically on the penalty kill, and still after a successful kill they couldn’t create any sustained pressure. Oh sure there were small bouts of offensive chances, but nothing that could be called substantial. They played very well in the neutral zone, denying the Jackets any real time or space. Also they were very strong in the defensive zone, chasing pucks down well, smart positionally, and the hitting was very much back again. Unfortunately this was not a good period for offensive strength by the Flames.

The penalty kill was very very good this time around. They blocked shots, caused a few turnovers in the neutral zone, and even created one of the best chances offensively in the third period. Miikka made a big glove slave and Conroy and Glencross were brilliant pressing the Jackets in their own zone. Of course the Flames did not get a single power play chance, though the Flames did get a lucky fast whistle to disallow a goal so I won’t belabour the bad reffing tonight. It was bad on both sides.

Overall Impressions
Yet another blown lead. Yet another game in which the Flames were not bad, but the certainly weren’t as good as *I* think they should be. Again they were better than the last game, and the game before that, but this is not enough. They simply MUST put together a full sixty minute game.

Three Stars By Me
1. Rick Nash
2. Kristian Huselius
3. Miikka Kiprusoff
HM: Bourque, Glencross and Sjostrom. All three were fireplugs all night. I would have added Nystrom as he always rocks, but I have to share the kudos somewhere.

Next up the Flames host Vancouver at the Dome on Friday.

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Post Game Analysis – Flames @ Hawks- 6-5 Overtime loss that never should have been.

October 12, 2009 – 8:51 pm

First Period
The Flames came out and completely dominated the Hawks for almost the entire first period. The Flames won all the battles along the boards and fired pucks at net with a large amount of traffic out front. They were also very physical, hitting everything that came any where near the puck. And this play paid off huge dividends as the Flames not only chased Huet out of net, but they also scored on the Hawks back up net minder. The only problem in the first would have been the minor breakdown in the last couple minutes when the Hawks managed to score their only goal of the first. But even then the Flames have looked ever so much better than they did in any of the first five games. Easily the best period of play thus far this season.

The penalty kill was flawless. They were positionally perfect and blocked shots very well. Bourque was exceptional, making the smart play to waste a few extra seconds and then send the puck down the ice on the delayed offside. Bouwmeester also had a magnificent block that kept the Hawks down by five at that time. There were no power play chances for the Flames in the opening period.

Every one is looking fantastic so far. I really mean that too, as even the First line has looked really good tonight. Jokinen’s goal may have been ugly lucky, but good things happen when you put pucks on net, and I would also argue that it was Olli’s pass to Iggy for the breakaway that set that goal up. Finally the first line is clicking!! This is going to be a great game for us Flames fans of the boys can keep this level of play up!!

Second Period
This period was all Chicago all the time. They controlled the play from the first puck drop of the middle frame to nearly the final whistle. The Flames really looked like they spent more time standing around and watching the play than driving it. Defending a lead has never worked in this league and the Flames have shown exactly why in that frame as they gave up three goals to now only have a one goal lead. You can not blame Miikka for the goals against either as he was totally left out to dry by his team on every last one of them. This team really needs to pick it up and play for a full sixty minutes. Letting a team like Chicago back into the game like this is never a good idea as they are certainly good enough to take the lead away if you sit back too much.

The power play was not bad, but they were unsuccessful. The puck movement was fast and accurate, but not enough shots on net. The possession was solid though, and the Flames were buzzing. The penalty kill was again perfection, and almost created offensive chances again. I love how strong Conroy and Glencross are on the penalty kill. They both block all sorts of shots and end up spending quite a bit of time in the opposition zone too. I expect to see a few shorties from these guys this season.

Miikka was strong in the second, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. He was completely thrown under the bus as it were, when no one was there to help out defensively on all those goals this frame. Glencross, Bourque, and Conroy looked fantastic this period. They are making all the right decisions and offensively are certainly all on the same page. Good on Iginla to see his team needed a boost, and fighting Brower to get that emotional lift. Good win too by him. Now the Flames have got to get their act together and win this game decisively in the final frame.

Third Period
This was a very hard period to classify. They didn’t play completely poorly, but they certainly did not play up to their ability as shown in the first period. They did a lot of the little things correctly, such as having ctive sticks creating turnovers. And for the most part the Flames were very smart defensively. The play opened up a bit and was more end to end than it had been at any other point in the game. One defensive brain fart, and this became a tie game. Just not rnough physical play, and the Flames simply didn’t pressure the puck hard enough.

The only penalty called in the third was to Dawes for tripping. The Flames killed the penalty with no problems. Active sticks in the lanes, huge blocks by Conroy and Nystrom, and quick clears when they presented themselves. There were no power plays again this period for the Flames though one may argue there should have been plenty of power plays and penalties for the Flames. The refs seemed to just let the teams play.

Overtime
Well this was quick. Jokinen bobbled the puck right onto Seabrooks’ stick and it was through the five hole and in.

Overall Impressions
Holy Deja Vu Batman. We (the Flames Faithful) have seen this song and dance one too many times. Commanding lead all but blown by a team we all KNOW is much more talented than this. This game should never have been close, let alone allowed into overtime. The Flames had this one and they let the Hawks take it from them. This is the definition of UNACCEPTABLE. Sure there are positives to see in this game, but they are all overshadowed by the simple fact that the Flames pissed away a FIVE goal lead.

Three Stars By Me
1. Patrick Kane
2. Rene Bourque
3. Dave Bolland
HM: Should be no one, but I’m going to put Olli here as he did get a goal and an assist.

The Flames face off against the Blue Jackets tomorrow.

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Post Game Analysis – Dallas @ Flames – 5-2 The Death of a Streak

October 9, 2009 – 9:33 pm

First Period
The Flames made one defensive mistake and McElhinney compounded it by over playing the shooter, and this was really the only issue this period outside of some less than stellar neutral zone play. Other than that this was a great period by the Flames. Very physical, with hits happening at all end of the ice. They pressured the offensive zone very well and peppered Auld with shot after shot. Unfortunately Alex was up to the task and he blanked the Calgary squad in the opening frame. Don’t let the first goal sour you on McElhinney either. He was stellar, if a touch wobbly and floppy for the rest of the period, stopping everything else that was fired his way. The Flames were very smart defensively, active sticks and great positioning.

The power play was lack luster. They employed the dump and chase methiod and just weren’t able to corral the pucks after the dump in it seemed. And when they did gain the zone the possession was great, but the puck movement was near to non existent. When one player is holding the puck for more than six seconds, then mistakes are being made in my opinion. The penalty kill was pretty darned good though. A huge amount of the kudos must go to McElhinney as he was superb stopping all seven of the shots that were fired in by the Stars power play unit. At one point he was forced to dive through the air like Superman to catch a puck that almost looked like a sure goal. The Stars sure thought it was.

McElhinney was pretty good that first period. Sure he is at fault for the only goal of the game thus far, but that one mistake was well and truly redeemed by his performance during the penalty kill. Iginla and Jokinen are looking way better tonight too. Fired up and hungry the both of them. Still loving everything Bourque and Dawes bring to the ice.They hit the ice and the puck is invariably in the opposition zone. The same can be said for the fourth line. Love love love Nystrom. He simply has no idea how to quit on a play. Flames keep playing with this level of grit and tenacity and this will be a much better score result at the end of the next period.

Second Period
Well good news is the Flames have stopped sitting back at the end of the period. Bad news is they instead have sat around at the start of the period and it’s cost them both times thus far in the game. Of course once the Stars scored the Flames woke up and began to play again with some intensity. Almost a sense of desperation even. Defensively the Flames have been sound if not spectacular. They of course have made a couple gaffes but nothing that was overly noteworthy, Offensively the Flames have certainly had their chances but Auld has been absolutely solid. They’ve managed to get a good amount of traffic in front of the Stars netminder, and create a few good cycles but their passing is still just a touch out of sync. I will say that the Flames have shown a decent amount of drive, but are getting brutalized by the Stars. It seems to me that the Flames are getting thrown around by the Stars, and not responding physically.

The power play was absolute perfection. A faceoff win by Iginla, who shovelled it back to Phaneuf. Dion then wired it off the post and straight into the back of the net. Stunning shot and what we expect to see from him. As a matter of fact Dion has managed points in every last game thus far this season. Take note all you poolies. Dion is going to make you all very happy. There was no penalties for the Flames even though Crawford would say differently.

Well McElhinney was not to blame for the first goal this frame but I do hold him totally responsible for the second one. a simple point shot like that should NEVER go in, especially off the stick and up and over the goal tender. Seriously. Iginla is looking fantastic today, and Jokinen is working his rear end off. Glencross also has looked really strong causing no end of turnovers and making the Stars lives very hard when he’s on the ice. Time to turn it up Flames if you should desire to set a new franchise record.

Third Period
The final frame started very well with the Flames storming into the Dallas zone and creating no end of havoc. They played very strong on the puck and defensively were smart with the active sticks and solid positioning. The Flames brought it within one goal again on a beauty play during the first power play and pressed really hard for a couple minutes. But then they feel apart defensively again and once again Dallas took advantage and made McElhinney look horrible. Not that it was totally his fault, but one can’t help but feel that Kiprusoff would have stopped that shot. That goal was easily the back breaker as the Flames didn’t seem to have any jump in their game after that and couldn’t get much of anything going from that point forward. The final nail in the coffin came when Richards scored on the empty net to finalize the game.

The power play this period was hot and cold. Hot on the first chance when Giordano shot and it was blocked. The blocked shot went straight to Bourque who slapped it past Auld to bring the Flames within one goal. The second power play was disappointing as nothing was clicking and no one seemed to be on the same page. Certainly it didn’t help when Bourque took an interference penalty. Happily that was evened out when Robidas also got a diving penalty on the same play. The single penalty kill for the Flames was solid. Active sticks and great puck pressure forced the Stars to make plays faster than they wanted and thusly the Flames were able to clear the puck well. At one point the Flames pressured the puck in the Dallas zone and wasted a good fifteen seconds or so of the penalty.

Overall Impressions
I hate to pin this game on any one player, but McElhinney was simply not good enough. Two goals that should never have happened make this a much much different beast. Granted the defensive gaffes did nothing to help, but a good goaltender makes those saves to keep his team in it. I was glad to see the Flames finish out each period on a strong note, but NOT happy to see them waltz around the ice for the first two minutes of the periods. Not what I wanted when I said to fix the end of period issues.

Three Stars By Me
1. Mike Ribiero
2. Alex Auld
3. Dion Phanuef
HM: Rene Bourque who tried his best to carry this team on his back.

The Flames head to Chicago to begin another back to back on Monday with the Blackhawks, then they face the Blue Jackets on Tuesday.

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Gameday Pregame – October 9 2009 – Dallas Stars at Calgary Flames

October 9, 2009 – 8:55 am

Dallas Stars (0-0-2) at Calgary Flames (4-0-0)

7:00PM MST Sportsnet West and The Fan 960am Radio

Gio!!!

With the intense last second goal last night, and the eventual shoot out win, the Flames have managed to tie the franchise record for wins to start a season. Tonight they look to surpass that mark against the Dallas Stars. It’s going to be an uphill battle for the boys in red, as they are on the second game of the back to back, and having travelled home from Edmonton last night, they may show signs of fatigue. I honestly don’t think that will be the case though. They have got to be feeling somewhat uplifted with the win. and with the stellar performance of the star netminder Miikka Kiprusoff.

It’s going to come down to who makes the first mistake on ice tonight. All the Flames have to do is continue to work Brent’s system and play smart in their own zone. The offensive chances will come as they always do. Perhaps Jokinen and Iginla will finally get it clicking offensively, not that this writer is at all worried about offence from this team. Thus far every last player who has dressed for the Flames has tallied at least one point, and that’s a pretty rare feat this early in the season no matter whom you play for.

Projected Line-ups

Moss-Jokinen-Iginla
Dawes-Langkow-Bourque
Glencross-Conroy-Boyd
Prust-Nystrom-Sjostrom
Defence Pairings:
Regehr-Phaneuf
Bouwmeester-Giordano
Pardy-Kronwall

Like I mentioned yesterday I would expect to see Curtis McElhinney tonight in net. There has been zero confirmation of this, but I am going with my gut instinct here and saying that’s how it’ll be.

Injury Report
Calgary Flames
John Armstong F – Undisclosed – On the Long Term Injured Reserve
Cory Sarich D – Ankle – Should be back within the Week
Brian McGrattan RW – Shoulder – Expected back any day
Dallas Stars
Warren Peters C – Broken Orbital – Out Indefinitely
Luke Gazdic LW – Shoulder – Injured Reserve
Mike Modano C – Ribs – Expected to miss the game tonight
Jere Lehtinen RW – Hip/Groin – Expect to miss the game tonight

Player to Watch
Jarome Iginla. He was fired up last night and when Iggy gets angry all sorts of wonderful things tend to happen for the Flames.

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Post Game Analysis – Flames @ Oilers – 4-3 Last Second Reprieve

October 8, 2009 – 10:21 pm

First Period
This was certainly not the best period the Flames have played, but by no means was it the worst. There were stretches where the Flames created no end of havok in the Edmonton zone, then they would fall apart defensively and the Oilers would press for a time. The Flames were strong on the back check, and cycled well when they were pressing, but when they weren’t fully on the Oilers made the Flames look downright silly. Then the Flames bane of the young season the final two minutes of the period happened and suddenly they were down two nothing. This has simply got to stop. Brent has got to get these guys all working a full twenty minutes a period, sixty a game.

The power play for the Flames didn’t score, but they did play very well. The puck movement was quick and accurate and they shot everything at Khabibulin. Even the kitchen sink. Unfortunately the Bulin Wall was very much in evidence as he stopped every shot this period. The power play ends and Moreau gets the pass to create a break away and the Oilers are up one to nothing. Bad bad bad way to end the advantage. The penalty kill was excessively short. One face off a shot and a tip and that was all she wrote for the PK. They didn’t even have time to set up the box. Not a good look in that kill.

Well the positives. Iginla and Jokinen seemed to be clicking a bit better, with their passes being much better timed and they created some seriously dangerous offensive chances. Giordano is looking strong again, as was Bourque, Dawes, and Nystrom. Kiprusoff looked strong until the last two minutes and I won’t blame him for the Moreau goal, but that penalty kill goal I will blame him for. He is better than a goal like that and should have had that. Lastly what is with this late period collapse crap? Every game thus far the Flames have pulled utter garbage out of their collective rear ends at the end of various periods and it has cost them almost if not all of their goals against. FIX THIS NOW! I am singularly unimpressed.

Second Period
This period started almost immediately with a penalty and then continued with a special teams extravaganza. A total of five minor infractions were called in what can only be described as a disorganized period of hockey. That also, is a very charitable description for both teams. No one really had a chance to control the play or create and five on five chances as any momentum that got built up was stopped by infractions. Iginla and Moreau fought mid way through the period, but the linesmen got in between the combatants far too quickly as Iginla looked to feed Moreau his lunch, but Moreau fell and the linesmen jumped in even as Iginla allowed Ethan to stand up before handing him a couple more knuckle sammiches through the linesmen. I have one very good piece of news to report. The Flames pressed very hard in the final minutes and were rewarded for it too. Bourque and Langkow got a couple pucks towards the net, and finally one of them went off of Strudwick and right behind Khabibulin it went.

The penalty kill was flawless. Truly it was. They had excellent puck pressure, amazing positioning, and very active sticks in the passing lanes. Miikka was also stellar stopping everything that came his way. They also cleared the puck quickly and even managed to spend more than a few seconds in the Oilers zone, which is my favourite place to kill a penalty. Two hundred feet down the ice from your own net. The power play was all right, I suppose. If you detect a note of discontent you would be correct as I felt the puck movement was a touch slow and too many point shots from one player (Phaneuf) and not enough random shots from inside the hash marks. There also was a good amount of traffic in front of Khabibulin, but nothing that really obscured his vision. This of course meant that Khabibulin was able to stop all power[ play shots and I felt the Flames wasted a golden opportunity with the five on three chance half way through the period.

Well not exactly the worst I have ever seen from the Flames, but they are much more capable than we have seen this game. The good point, like I said, was they didn’t let up near the end of the frame. Now the Flames are only down by one and if they can get their collective heads out of their collective rears then we will yet see the fabled fourth win. It’s going to take a team effort and a lot more physicality than we have seen. Dawes, Langkow, and Bourque have looked amazing. Miikka is back to his usual stellar self. Jokinen did NOT look so good that period. He seemed to be fighting the puck heavily during the five on three chance. I don’t know why he is having such troubles but he needs to get it together. Iggy on the other hand is in this game fully. Thank God too, as an awake and angry Iggy is a guy who will change the game, nearly at will.

Third Period
The Flames started the third quite strong. The looked fired up and were very physical. They even created some very good chances right away. Khabibulin was caught scrambling and nearly mishandled the puck again, but he managed to get back just in the nick of time to stop Bourque from scoring. That didn’t dissuade the Flames in the least as they continued to press and Bourque again created the goal when he took all the pressure from the Oilers and popped the puck back to Kronwall who wired it in on net, where Dawes tipped it past Nicolai. The Flames then let off the gas just a touch and the play became very run and gun. Which is never a good thing for the Flames. Hemsky managed to slip a check and Miikka let out a rebound to him and that was what looked to be the game winning goal. But with less than five seconds left and Miikka pulled, Bouwmeester takes the shot and Bourque redirected it past Bulin to tie it with ONE second left!!

There were no penalties called whatsoever in the final frame, though I did see a few infractions get missed on both teams. I suppose the refs felt they hit their quota in the second period.

Rene Bourque is amazing. I mean it. He did EVERYTHING tonight. I suppose he didn’t fight, but thats fine by me.The fourth line was also solid all night long. You know who wasn’t? Olli Jokinen. He was garbage. Missing passes, giving up the puck at every chance, and generally looking horrible.

Overtime
The extra frame started with a brilliant Iginla chance, and then Giordano gets called for tripping. The next two minutes were incredible. Miikka was not only stellar he was unbeatable. He stopped six amazing chances flashing the leather to catch shot after shot. After Miikka killed the penalty the two teams traded chances but nothing was decided so it went to the shootout.

Shootout
First up Gagner who was denied by the poke check of Miikka. First up for the Flames was Dawes who roofed it right past the glove of Khabibulin. Next up for theOilers was O’Sullivan who copied Dawes step for step, even the roofing it past the glove of Miikka. Nexty up was Jokinen who slipped it under the pad of Khabibulin. The refs checked the goal, but you bet it counted. Last up was Hemsky who had to score in order to keep the game alive, but he rang it off the post and thus the Flames have matched their record for a season start and are four and oh to begin the 09-10 campaign.

Overall Impressions
This was one heck of an intense game for us the Flames fans. Not the best effort we have seen yet, but also not the worst. The Flames need to be more consistent in their efforts, but by the same token they certainly turn it up when it counts. And seriously one second left in regulation to tie it up? That’s classic hockey magic.

Three Stars By Me
1. Rene Bourque
2. Nicolai Khabibulin
3. Nigel Dawes
HM: Jarome Iginla. He may not have scored, but he was a beast out there tonight hitting, fighting and making his presence felt. Also Miikka Kiprusoff for the Overtime and shootout heroics.

Next up the Flames come back home to host the Dallas Stars on the second of the back to back.

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Game Day Pregame – October 08 2009 – Cagary Flames at Edmonton Oilers

October 8, 2009 – 8:44 am

Calgary Flames (3-0-0) at Edmonton Oilers (1-1-0)

7:30pm MDT Sportsnet West

Knuckle Sammich

The Flames have gotten off to a roaring start this season having felled all comers thus far. Certainly this is cause for optimism, but there have been some disturbing trends too. Such as the Flames lack of finish at the end of the periods. Though I will point out that each game has been a more solid and consistent effort. Brent too has noted this in the media, and he makes it know that as the Flames continue to get more games under their collective belts, they continue to get more consistent.

So that brings us to tonight’s match up. The Oilers again. This will be the second meeting of the two provincial rivals, and the Flames need to put forth a much better effort than in the last meeting if they desire to go four straight to start this season. Which, incidentally would match the team record set back in the early 90’s.

Projected Line-ups

Moss-Jokinen-Iginla
Dawes-Langkow-Bourque
Glencross-Conroy-Boyd
Prust-Nystrom-Sjostrom
Defence Pairings:
Regehr-Bouwmeester
Phaneuf-Giordano
Pardy-Kronwall

Now expect to see Miikka in between the pipes, but since this is a back to back there is a possibility that McElhinney will get the start. If not tonight then tomorrow for certainly.

Injury Report
Calgary Flames
John Armstong F – Undisclosed – On the Long Term Injured Reserve
Cory Sarich D – Ankle – Should be back within the Week
Brian McGrattan RW – Shoulder – Expected back any day
Edmonton Oilers
Marc Pouliot C – Pubic Bone Inflammation – Long Term Injured Reserve
Fernando Pisani RW – Back – Out Indefinitely
Ethan Moreau LW – Ankle – Questionable for Tonight’s game

Player to Watch
No one play, instead a whole line. The fourth line of Prust, Nystrom, and Sjostrom. Arguably the best line for the Flames thus far in this young season. Every time they hit the ice pure magic happens.

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Post Game Analysis – Habs @ Flames – 4-3 The Eric Nystrom Show

October 6, 2009 – 9:32 pm

First Period
A very fast paced first period with a great flow. Not a lot of whistles and the refs let the players sort the game out for themselves. Both teams were skating hard, and there were a great amount of chances at both ends of the ice. The Flames were very very good on puck support with every forward coming back defensively and stopping the Habs from creating a whole lot. Well until the final couple minutes of the first when the Flames defensive coverage fell completely apart and the Habs slapped two quick goals in. Neither goal was really Miikka’s fault either as he was completely thrown under the bus. It’s really too bad, as for the lion’s share of that period the Flames played VERY smart.

No power plays and no penalties for the Flames. Both teams were excessively well behaved. Then the final buzzer of the opening period blared and the two teams had a mighty scrum. Well there were a pair of fighting majors to Prust and Stewart, but of course those evened out so no advantages conferred either direction.

The third and fourth lines of the Flames have been nothing short of fantastic. One could even say they have been better than our supposed number one line, and that person who would say such would be entirely correct. Iginla and Jokinen really have got to find their respective games, as they are starting to drag this team down a touch. I almost feel a touch of trepidation when they come out as both players seem to be fighting the puck more than the opposition. But oh man, when Nystrom and his line, or Conroy’s line step out there I feel positively giddy!!

Second Period
This period was all Flames all the time until the final minute again. The boys in the Flaming C managed to keep the Habs from even getting a shot on goal for over 15 minutes, stifling the Candiens with a heavy and effective fore check. As a matter of fact it seemed that the Flames kept the play in the Montreal zone for over two thirds of the second frame. The only problem was again the final minute when the Flames weren’t able to clear the zone, and once again got bit by it with 13 seconds left. This is a minor thing with how well they played the second period, but it is troublesome. Both of the first two periods have had the Flames let off in the final minutes and then the Habs score. This needs to be addressed.

The Flames got one power play and they made it count. And glory be, it was Jokinen and Iginla who made it happen. Dion couldn’t find a lane to shoot, so he handed it to Jokinen who rang a shot, nay a howitzer off of the post. The rebound went straight to Iginla who made absolutely no mistake and he wired it behind Halak. Not a single Flames penalty this game thus far, and it’s mighty nice to see the Flames being so disciplined.

Nystrom and Pardy are the heroes for the night. No question. Pardy with the heavy hits and brilliant puck sense. Nystrom with the two goals and the heavy heavy work ethic. These two guys are everything any hockey fan wants to see in a player on their team. Thank god Iggy and Olli managed to get something happening finally. I just hope that finally getting some offense triggers better and faster from these two.

Third Period
This was a very back and forth period. The Flames would press in the offensive zone and create all sorts of chances, then the Habs would storm back and pepper Miikka with shot after shot after shot. The Flames did very well battling down low and creating a lot of offense off of the puck battles. Finally the Flames managed to connect right off the face off in the Habs zone, the puck goes back to Pardy and he sent it to Kronwall. Kronwall fired it in and the man of the night Nystrom redirected it in for the game winning goal. Oh and Nystrom with the Hat trick, oh my yes. He is so golden.

No penalties again this period. I have to say that the refs did miss a few calls on both teams, but I didn’t mind it at all. There was a solid flow to the game and not having a whistle every 15 seconds made this game ever so much more enjoyable.

Overall Impressions
Three games in and three wins. This is happy news indeed. Even better is the fact that a good ninety percent of our scoring has not come from the big line. “Secondary” scoring has been the name of the game for the Flames and it is truly a treat to see. My only real beef this game was at the end of the first and second periods when the Flames collapsed and allowed the three goals against. Other than that, YEAH BABY!!!

Three Stars By Me
1. Eric Nystrom
2. Adam Pardy
3. Tomas Plekanec
HM: Stephan Kronwall and Nigel Dawes. Both players were doing all the right things.

Next up is the Edmonton Oilers at Raxall center on Thursday.

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Post Game Analysis – Canucks @ Flames – 5-3 Flames pull it out in the end.

October 1, 2009 – 10:45 pm

First Period
To start out the retro jerseys are great. Makes an old time Flames fan nostalgic. I am seriously looking forward to seeing these uniforms more this season. Even with that ugly as sin shoulder flash for the 30th anniversary. Now onto the flow of the first period. Total domination by the Flames. Right from the opening face off the Flames took control of this period. Very physical play and smart defensive coverage only accentuated the play, as the Flames were able to create no end offensive chances. Not only create those chances but capitalize on them too. Nystrom had the best hit of the period when he destroyed Johnson behind the net.

The powerplay was excellent, all three chances. They set up very well, and had fast and accurate puck movement. Oh and speaking of accurate, the shots taken were, more often than not, on net. And as we all know shots on net translate to goals. As Giordano could tell you with his blue line blast that found the back of the net on the first power play. The second power play saw a brilliant passing play by Giordano to Dawes behind the net and then out front to Bourque who slipped it past Luongo. The third power play, though unsuccessful, was just as stellar as the first two. The Flames were perfectly disciplined and took not a single penalty all period.

Giordano was a powerhouse all period. Hitting, shooting, passing and scoring. What a performance thus far. Nystrom too has been magnificent. His hit set the tone of this game and the rest of the team seems to have keyed off of it. At least looking by Phaneuf’s hit to Sedin at the end it did. Miikka has looked solid and unflappable too. Nice to see him looking mid season form this early.

Second Period
A much more balanced period. Both teams were fully into the game, and Vancouver seemed to have woken up after the total and complete domination of the first by the Flames. Miikka certainly had more work, and don’t let the score fool you. He has been stellar. Both goals were power play goals, and both were tipped. The Flames are playing very smart defensively, and for the most part were strong on every puck. Jokinen has been by far the best forward defensively. He always seems to be the first one back. He certainly disrupted more than a few plays. The only real problem this frame for the Flames would have been their penalty troubles.

The penalty kill looked strong in the second attempt, blocking shots and getting the puck the length of the ice quickly. But only the second PK was any good really. The first penalty to Giordano was perhaps a weak call, but the Flames certainly didn’t help things by allowing the goal all of 26 seconds into the man disadvantage. Again though, the puck did get redirected on it’s way in. Same for the third penalty kill as Edler took the shot from the blue line and Samuelsson tipped it on the way in. I guess my biggest beef would be that the Flames weren’t strong on the blue line and the Canucks were able to walk into the zone nearly unopposed. The Flames didn’t get a single power play all period, so now both teams are two for three on the power play.

Dawes, Bourque and Langkow have looked absolutely brilliant. They have been the best line for the Flames all game and more so in the second period. They hit the ice and the puck ended up in the Canucks zone, nearly without fail. Miikka has again looked right solid, and I can’t find any fault with him for either Vancouver goal. Jokinen may not be producing just yet offensively, but you cannot fault him for his play. He’s been amazing defensively, and really he’s been creating chances in front of Luongo too. He’s going to be a beast all season long and I, for one, can’t wait to watch him all season long. Iginla looks a touch out of step with the rest of the team. I don’t know if he’s trying too hard, or if he’s just not in the game mentally, but he needs to get it together.

Third Period
By far the worst period of the game for the Flames tonight. They seemed as if they just couldn’t get on the same page with each other. Ill timed passes, not clearing the zone when they got the chance and just a number of mistakes that you would expect to see in the first game of the preseason, not in the regular season. Less than a minute into the final frame the Canucks scored off a grind it out goal by Burrows when the whole team seemed to leave Miikka hung out to dry. After that this game became the Kipper Show as he stopped everything that came his way. The Flames really couldn’t get it together. The few times they looked dangerous it was Langkow, Dawes and Bourque on the ice. Certainly Iggy and Olli had a couple chances but nothing that seemed really pressing.

The penalty kill was sloppy, but effective for all of that. They pressured the puck well and managed to clear it quickly when the opportunity presented it’s self. The penalty killers were also very good with the stick tipping a lot of shots away from Kipper, and cutting down the shooting lanes. There was a four on four bit when Bourque and Raymond both got called for roughing, but nothing of great import happened during that time. Sure a couple chances on both sides, but for the most part the blue line of either team stood tall.

Overall Impressions
Well the Flames started strong and trailed off a bit, but all in all they did all the right things for two full periods. I cannot speak highly enough of the second line. Those three were absolutely stunning all game and never once did I see them coasting or giving anything less than one hundred percent. They need to tighten up a bit in their own zone, and everyone needs to stay on the Sutter Plan a little more fully. Other than that as the immortal Peter Mahar says, “You can put it in the win column!!!”

Three Stars By Me
1. Mark Giordano
2. Miikka Kiprusoff
3. Rene Bourque.
HM: Langkow for his tenacity and Olli for his spectacular defensive play.

Next game is on Saturday against their provincial rivals Edmonton.

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Game Day Pregame – October 1st – Vancouver @ Calgary

October 1, 2009 – 11:22 am

Vancouver Canucks (0-0-0) at Calgary Flames (0-0-0)

8:00pm MST – CBC and The Fan 960

C OF RED BABY

It has been one heck of a long off season and with all the moves and changes this summer, it has been increasingly difficult to stay calm as the regular season approached. Well here we are. The beginning of a fresh season. A new coaching staff and a revitalized defensive corps. A solid system and new faces and I feel no compunction stating that this will be a magnificent season.

But before we get a head of ourselves with dreams of Lord Stanley’s Mug, the Flames must start off strong and as a cohesive unit. And tonight is the place and time for that. The Home opener against divisional rivals the Vancouver Canucks.Games between these two teams are heated, and intense. Tonight will be no different as both squads want to start out the 09-10 season on a winning note. The Flames will have to show that they are all on the same page in Brent Sutter’s gamebook. Smart defense and a stifling forecheck will be the keys to the game for the Flames.

Projected Line-ups

Moss-Jokinen-Iginla
Dawes-Langkow-Bourque
Glencross-Conroy-Boyd
Prust-Nystrom-Sjostrom
Defence Pairings:
Regehr-Bouwmeester
Phaneuf-Giordano
Pardy-Sarich

Man, if those defensive pairings don’t make you stand up and take notice then you are no kind of a hockey fan. Look for Miikka to start tonight, as if there was any doubt of that.

Injury Report
Calgary Flames
John Armstong F – Undisclosed – On the Long Term Injured Reserve
Vancouver Canucks
Jannik Hansen RW – Right Hand
Mathieu Schneider D – Shoulder surgery recovery
Pavol Demitra RW – Torn left rotator cuff

Player To Watch
No one player tonight. This is going to be the first we see of Brent’s Pack mentality gameplan, and it should be epic if the Flames can execute.

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