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A Flame broiled (4-1) win in Phoenix for the Calgary Flames was picture perfect, save for the lone goal by Todd Fedoruk that ruined Kipper’s golden opportunity for a shut out. Nevertheless, the team’s performance was exceptional offensively and defensively. By and large, Keenan’s chemistry is turning out to be unexpectedly effective; and notable insights were apparent in the almost clean sweep.

• The Flames out shot their opposition 36-24.
• Consistency persevered throughout the 60 minutes of play
• The fore checking efforts of the forwards was remarkable
• The successful power play tallies and penalty killing sustained momentum

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With the 5-3 comeback victory against the Nashville Predators, and two back to back victories, the Flames should have sufficient confidence to face Gretzky and his troops. It may not come that easy because the Coyotes are 2-0-0 on home ice while the Flames have lost two road games. Nevertheless, the Flames power play is much stronger at approximately 18.2% while their penalty killing is 84.1%. The ability to capitalize on power plays and remain steadfast in penalty killing will help them change the game’s momentum; and this should be a critical strategy to keep in mind. Notwithstanding the statistics, both teams are similar in terms of competitiveness.

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The 2-1 victory on Tuesday night not only presented the Calgary Flames with the much needed 2 points but also boosted their confidence. Although the difference in scoring was only marginal, there were some spectacular insights in the game.

• The scoreless 9 minute Capital power play ascertained that the team was stronger defensively.
• More importantly, the Flames had bounced back from a 1-0 deficit to win the game; also having established a power play goal.
• The 60 minute play was conspicuously a collaborative effort on the part of the Flames’ team and Mikka stood tall in the net making 30 saves in total.
• It had been the first Flames win over the Capitals in 9 years.

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Welcome to Hockey Night in Canada – a tradition that continues (on TSN).

The stats are notoriously in favour of the Washington Capitals (3-1-1), however, the Calgary Flames (1-3-1) have a slightly better record in terms of power play and penalty killing than their visiting counterparts. Thus, should the Flames capitalize on these opportunities; they would stand a better chance of outshining Ovechkin and his troops. All the same, it is optimal for the home team to change certain strategies: Wearing the “New Look Boutique look” is a must; forgetting the recent slack and putting the past behind them should be their second prerogative; and, more importantly, regrouping and being sharper defensively and offensively will help them combat the Caps.

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Sometimes one wonders what is happening. Is it just the Flames? Despite having attained all the necessary ingredients (great coach, great forwards, good defensive players and a good goaltender) why does the equation fail to add up? Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a bad dream – a dream that will materialize for the Flames and their fans on a positive note. When you score 4-5 goals a game, that should be good enough to win.

Home at Home in Oil-Town

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Hello FlamesForum readers, a standing ovation is in place for the visiting team as they step on ice today. It is a token of sincere respect for McTavish and his troops who helped the Flames maintain their playoff status when the odds were against them. THANK YOU TEAM ALBERTA!

But, friendships evaporate as the puck drops on center ice

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Game 3 airs on Tuesday, October 14th at 7:30 pm with the Calgary Flames (0-1-1) hosting their Western Conference counterparts who are 0-2-0. Statistically, both teams are hungry for a win and only performance will determine who holds the upper hand.

For the Flames, home ice advantage will surround them with a tide of red C’s; but, the recently rejuvenated great pair of skates will definitely have to be wittier because Sakic and his troops can not be taken lightly – they were only 5.4 seconds away to staying tied to the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.
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Puck drop T-minus four hours (8:30PM MT start) leaves Flames fans itching for game time but relieved the 9th of October has finally come. High expectations have been set annually by fans given the Flames success in 2004. Since then post-season appearances are not the goal, but a Stanley Cup. One wonders aloud if the team this year has what it takes to make a run.

One thing is for sure, the team lost offensive power since last year, but have gained speed, grit, and determination. Yet, are those the keys to success? Fact is, to make a post-season run grit will have to be coupled with the emergence of a couple of players as surprising contributors such as Bertuzzi and Lombardi.

Going into tonight’s season opener on the road in Vancouver, Calgary opened the pre-game skate with Boyd back in the lineup, and some line combos.

Interesting Flames Line Combos

Calgary Herald is reporting the following starting lines:

Bertuzzi-Conroy-Iginla
Cammalleri-Langkow-Bourque
Glencross-Lombardi-Moss
Boyd -Primeau-Roy

And the D pairings

Regehr-Aucoin
Vandermeer-Sarich
Giordano-Phaneuf

Conroy on the top line? One would think Lombardi should elevate to second line–’second line’–and Boyd resume third line duties in the middle (given the highly successful outings in pre-season). Time will tell how long before BErtuzzi hits line two and Cammalleri hits the top line.

Keep your eyes open for a strong outing by Kiprusoff and our powerplay units. Special teams and goaltending are two aspects that need to fire from the get go. That’s it for now, GO FLAMES GO. Prove that Vancouver is the worst in NW division with a commanding victory tonight!

Calgary Flames (0-0-0) v Philadelphia Flyers (0-0-0)
Game Time: 8:00PM
Coverage: CBC, Fan 960

With much anticipation the 2007-08 NHL hockey season is about to begin for the Calgary Flames. The team has been somewhat rebuilt, they look stronger (on paper at least) and the fans are ready to cheer them on for another cup run.

New Flames Ready to Roll in Opener

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