It was almost another storybook comeback for team Canada who dropped to 1-6 going into the third period. The World Junior Canadian team abandoned their gameplan and were punished by Russian scoring. Maybe it was the curse of the Calgary Flames in the Saddledome, maybe it was shoddy refereeing, but Canada won't be taking Gold and it hurts.



Team Canada went down early and looked out of sorts. First three goals were off Murphy, Canadian defenceman victimized four times on the night. Not that he was on the ice, but the puck literally careened off this stick.

Some will call into question the referring in this game. Although they missed a blatant major for running the goalie after the Russian's 4th goal, and that was definitely a soft 'spear', but otherwise it was fair and not the reason why Canada dropped this one.

The Canadians will lick their wounds and try in the bronze medal game, but nobody will care because third in the hockey world is not even the first loser, so very very bad.

Better luck next year, but thanks for a great series.

Team Canada Drops Heartbreaker Against Russian Nemesis is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Admit it; you’re a Calgary Flames fanatic. You’d trade in your car for a Zamboni any day, you greet your coworkers by checking them into their desks and you regularly paint your face red and yellow… even during the offseason.

You could seek professional help or you could play the Calgary Flames Trivia game on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

Win a free copy!

The first five visitors who post their own trivia question with answer will win a code to download the version free!

Loaded with more than 500 challenging multiple-choice questions, Calgary Flames Trivia tests your knowledge of franchise leaders, jersey numbers, draft history, major award-winners, franchise firsts and player facts and figures. From primetime playmakers to big time enforcers, we’ve included questions about beloved players from every era.

Enjoy the game!

Win Hockey Trivia – Calgary Flames for your Apple Device is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

The game was a highlight. I had mentioned in the second period that, "I hope we don't win 3-0, I'd prefer a nail-biter the heads into the 13th hour." Little did I know I was a prophet.

What's better for sport and fan? 3-0 win in regulation, or a 3-2 win in overtime?

It's far more stressful but I'd opt for the 3-2 win in overtime because then the victory tastes that much better and the memory lasts that much longer.

Crosby on GWG, Iggy on the GWG Pass

Team Canada started to turn around their Olympics after facing Team USA the first time suffering a loss. A few changes to the lineups and the goalie propelled Canada all the way to the Gold Medal game.

Many rabid fans were anticipating great things on home soil, and in the end the team delivered in fitting fashion.

This 2010 version of the Olympic team included far more fire power and youth than in previous years. Tournament forward MVP Jonathan Towes lead Team Canada with 8 points and the first goal in the Gold Medal game. He along with the likes of Doughty, Nash, Richards, Getzlaf, Perry, and more, were all new faces in the line up and all capable of scoring big goals.

The depth proved crucial in Team Canada's advancement. When opposing teams shut down the top line of Crosby-Iginla-Staal (Nash), it was the Sharks line, or the Ducks line, or the fourth line who pulled through with timely goals.

Time goals, however, was what the Crosby line finally delivered.

Zack Parise tied the game up with 30 seconds left making fans wait a little longer to taste Gold. 30 seconds away from victory and the nation together held their breathe nervously.

A brief intermission and a 20 minute OT was to follow, but the OT would be played entirely 4v4. Flames fans were curious if Jarome Iginla would factor in the lineup or, would he be sat like in games against the Swiss? The answer was provided on the first shift when he lined up beside Crosby.

The pace of the OT frame was quick, nervous, and stressful to watch!

But then it happened.

In true 'Don Cherry Rock 'em Sock 'em fashion' Canada turned the puck up ice after Lungo made a nice shoulder save after Neidermeyer giveaway in the Canada zone, then the team streaked down the ice for the eventual overtime winner.

Crosby picked up the loose puck and tried to split four defensive players. He was stopped but he still managed to retrieve the puck in the offensive zone where Iginla caught up after a line change. Crosby lost the puck momentarily in the refs feet but shoveled a pass Jarome along the board.

A whole nation heard it on the replay--Crosby shouting, "IGGY!" to get the puck back.

Jarome Iginla, the hero in the 2002 Olympics with 2 goals and 1 assist, was instrumental to give Canada a 2010 gold medal on home ice. He sent a no look pass on his back to Crosby who got a step on the American defender behind him. Goalie MVP Ryan Miller was expecting Crosby to come in close and had his stick out for the poke check. Crosby instead barely touched the puck before shooting a no look snapper that somehow found the back of the net.

A nation erupted.

History was made.

Canada's team poured over the boards to celebrate. Canada Hockey place went into a frenzy.

Equally loud was just outside the arena in Vancouver.

It was won--Gold was ours--everyone could breathe a sigh of relief and start the victory celebratinos. The partying lasted into the wee hours of the night for some, but what was more important was how the entire nation came together to experience firsthand a landmark cultural event that will become etched into the minds of Canadians for at least another half century.

Where were you when Canada won the Gold? Many cool stories out there, share yours.

Props to s.yume for the picture.

A New Era: Men’s Hockey 2010 Olympic Gold Medal Recap is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

The Own the Podium campaign has been a bust. But everyone has said so long as we win gold in hockey we'll put up with the below average performance by the rest of the Olympians. But what happens if we lose in the quarters?

Canada's national pride was taking out back yet again and spanked hard. The dream team? The super team? Try a bunch of hockey players performing like the rest of the Olympic team--subpar. Canada lost to an average American squad 5-3 who capitalized on mistakes and rode a hot goalie to victory.

Canadians aren't happy. Twitter is rampant with people casting blame here and there, but frankly the blame rests squarely in two places: Brodeur and Babcock.

@dtjbrown said: Mike Babcock is and idiot. Here's a guy who coaches by the names on the back, not the crest on the front.

True words indeed. Let's take a step back and scrutinize the team from top to bottom.

Sydney Crosby: Syd the Kid certainly hasn't owned a thing and is being overshadowed by Russian rival Ovechkin. Crosby is creating chances but could use Iginla on the RW more often to round out the first line. He needs to pick up game to superstar value.

Rick Nash: Big body on the top line, not scoring, but not playing bad.

Mike Richards: Kills penalties and is a non-factor on the top line. PLEASE put him where he belongs--fourth line.

Joe Thornton: Part of the SJ line that's creating some chances. Would like to see more assists from t he assist leader. Again, needs to pick up his game to a gold medal level.

Danny Heatley: He's playing quite well, needs to keep scoring.

Patrick Marleau: The knock on him was he folds under the spotlight. He's the weakest link on the the second lien and if he doesn't pick up his game he'll be remembered as such forever.

Corey Perry: No clue why he made the team and he's a liability. Does nothing on the ice and is consistently beat on t he ice. He should be the fourth line spare but Babcock doesn't w ant to give up the 'Anaheim connection', Canad will suffer for it.

Eric Staal: Again, part of the third line and did nothing the first two games but scored once against the US. He needs to bring his game to a whole new level because the entire third l ine is a huge disappointment.

Ryan Getzlaf: Size and grit fit o n the third line, he needs new wingers though. Period. Of course Babcock won't change that.

Jarome Iginla: Scores and performs on the first line when Babcock wants to put the best players on the ice. Hat-trick against Norway but then put to the fourth line for Swiss game and to start the US.

Jordan Toews: Kills penalties and sets up some chances. Performs with limited fourth line duty.

Brenden Morrow: Energy provided but nothing much more.

Patrice Bergeron: Try him on the third line instead of just taking defensive zone faceoffs.

On defence.

Scott Niedermeyer: Roves around and is playing up to form with some tense moments when he gets caught up ice.

Dan Boyle: Another SJ player that is starting to get caught up ice more than doing what he's supposed to do---play D.

Chris Pronger: Why is on the team again?

Drew Doughthy: Is being put into too many positions to 'shine' by the coaching staff. He's playing well when called upon but you can tell he's inexperienced. Less time for him... but then again, who would replace?

Duncan Keith & Keith Seabrook: Don't play a regular shift but play w hen called upon.

Shea Weber: Apparently he's the best we have for first line D man on the PP. Big BIG mistake. He does nothing but stand on the point and shoot the puck wide. Sad choice.

Lastly Martin Brodeur: Twice he made dumb rookie mistakes by show boating in net against the US and consequently was the main reason why Canada lost. It will be very interesting to see if he'll play again.

Mike Babcock: Let's be frank Babcock can't handle the spotlight. Also, he insists on playing his preconceived line combos even if nothing is happening. Iginla plays on the top line instead of the fourth and rings in goals but he insists on playing Richards or whomever.

The PP looks weak, goalie selection questionable, etc. We HAVE the right players because they are the best, we DON'T have the system down even when other teams are playing with fright. That means the coaches need to step up, put the right team together instead of letting friends play together, and enable the team to meet expectations.

If they don't, some of these players will forever be remembered as the team that choked at home an embarrassed a nation.

Analyzing Canada Men’s Hockey Team Loss is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Think of it like this, Canada destroyed Slovakia by a 18-0 margin. Slovakia in turn destroyed Bulgaria 82-0. Your kids tyke team could do better. That's embarrassing and clearly points out that developing nations can't put out a product that rivals Canada or the US. They don't have the money for development and likely never will. The product will eventually get better, and we may have to sit through blowouts as the sport grows, but in the meantime it's not worthwhile to watch Canada run up the score on hapless competitors. Your thoughts?

Yes, Canadians are good, really good, we know that, but the rest of the world less the USA are so bad that Bulgaria vs. Canada final score would be 1476-0. Or one goal every two seconds.

It's time to put women's hockey to rest until the competition is actually that--competitive. It's sad to watch and a joke to the whole Olympics. I can't stand to watch puppies being beaten on relentlessly so I won't be watching women's hockey until they reach the finals against the US.

Why It’s Brutal To Watch Women’s Hockey is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

For the latest in Flames news and also Calgary Stampeders new from Stampedersforum.com!

FlamesForum is Now on Twitter – Follow Us @flamesstamps is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

A very young and unproven coaching staff (three years between the four of them.) Lowry and Mclennan were on the Flames during the 2004 run. Lowry was the captain once (played four years), and Mclennan was the backup and now is coach for Kiprusoff.

Some more from the Flames.

http://flames.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=431568

Stay tuned for draft day... the only good thing is young coaches are successful these days (Pittsburgh among others).

Your thoughts on the changes?

[tags]brent sutter, sutter, lowry, flames, calgary, mclennan[/tags]

New Coaching Staff – Brent Sutter Head Coach is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

These fans apparently lost all their deposit money. More on the issue at StampedersForum.com

Grey Cup 2009 Ticket Reserve Event Pitfalls is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

The first way you can watch Flames Games online reliably is through NHL Gamecenter. Although that option isn’t free you are assured you won’t miss a game, especially important if you’re an avid fan and you don’t live in Calgary. Calgarians who have cable should be able to get every single game now with any package with Sportsnet. CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet will cover all games, PPV doesn’t exist for Flames games.

April 4th 2006 edit: TVU doesn’t display all Flames games as some of you have noticed. The occasional game was online with Yahoo! but all in all, TV was still the best way to watch games. Sometimes you could watch them at NHL TV (pay a fee now) the day after.

Nov 19th, 2007 edit: Here is another peer to peer program that enables you to watch games online. Try it out and let us know in the forum if it works.

April 2dn, 2009 edit: You can also try searching Justin TV for games in the sports/hockey category.

October, 2011 edit: for free sports online try www.stream2watch.com/ or http://www.firstrowsports.tv/sport/ice-hockey.html but the quality is usually bunk.

Watch Calgary Flames Games Online Free is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Put it this way. It sucks really really really BAD. Anything with Lady Gaga sucks. Anything that starts with 'Cory Sarich' leading the offensive rush sucks even more. Here is the clip for your listening displeasure.

Energy 101.5 Flames Fail is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News