Game 39: Flames en route to Chicago
In the first game of 2009, Todd Bertuzzi scored the game winning goal (courtesy of David Moss and Craig Conroy) as the Flames defeat the Nashville Predators 3-2. Curtis Glencross and Daymond Langkow also chipped in with goals to tie the game at two. Consequently, the Flames have now won 5 games in a row and have accumulated points in 10 straight games. Although they lacked intensity on man advantages, their penalty killing was perfect especially as they killed the 4 minute double minor. Their next battle on the road? The Chicago Blackhawks - a challenge yet to be met.
The recently rejuvenated Blackhawk’s (20-8-7) team have a home record of 11-2-4 and a total of 47 points. Their power play ranks 23.75% but they have a much weaker penalty killing unit (83.89%). Conspicuously, the Flames (22-11-4) had lost twice against their western counterparts and the 6-1 loss may be the only impediment in this rematch – an obstacle that must be set aside considering their current performance. The Flames have improved significantly since - they have displayed their offensive tenacity, have shown resilience by coming back from behind and have established a stronger penalty killing approach (85.19 %). In effect, they have at times challenged their opponents while being shorthanded. Hopefully these propensities can offset their weaker power play percentage of 18.97% and enable them to pursue their point streak in Chicago.
This game will be televised on Sportsnet (SNET-W) Sunday, January 4th at 5:00 pm. A play by play coverage will be hosted by Peter Maher and Mike Rogers on Calgary Flames Radio, The Fan 960.