Flames Fights v Chicago
Three fights on tap so I figured I'd upload them here.
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Game 40: Flames host the San Jose Sharks
In an intensive and high spirited game at the United Center, the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Calgary Flames 4-2, which unfortunately ended the latter’s five game win streak and ten game point streak. It was atypical of the Flames to play this type of game because notwithstanding the 36 shots on goal, there were nine unnecessary penalties called; the Flames gave up a power play, a short handed and an empty netter. Undoubtedly, they made a tremendous offensive effort and even tallied a power play goal, but Khabibulin robbed them of all (but two goals) with his solid net minding while time was not in their favour either. Subsequently, the disappointed Flames return home to host the San Jose Sharks.
Stars MIA Yet Again: Calgary 2 - Chicago 5
In their second game in as many days the Calgary Flames, along with workhouse Miikka Kiprusoff, staged off against the Chicago Blackhawks who returned themselves to the indoor rink after their stint against Detroit at Wrigley Field. Calgary had difficulty getting going in the first period and would have been embarrassed if it weren't for some timely saves by Kiprusoff. Instead, Calgary only dropped behind by one at the end of the first period.
Europeans Continue Dive Fest a la Havlat
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.
Nashville, Nasville, YOU SUCK! - Flames 3 : Predators 2
Calgary's four game win streak was extended to five with a come from behind win against the Nashville Predators. The Flames struggled to provide any spark for their play allowing the home squad Nashville bring the play to their level. Nashville opened the scoring first and the fans promptly engaged in unison, "Kiprusoff, Kiprusoff, you SUCK!" (something tells me it was aided by the jumbotron). Well Nashville, you laid an egg and lost even one point tonight to drop below .500.
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Game 38: Flames on the road again ….to Nashville
The Flames completed the year 2008 in a glamorous fashion as they defeated the Oilers 6-4 on New Year’s Eve. In this hard earned victory, there were a couple of notable insights apparent in their performance: They scored three times on man advantage; Captain Jarome Iginla ended his scoring drought as he and Michael Cammalleri scored twice to create the fire power for their team; Adrian Aucoin and Dustin Boyd also chipped in to extend the scoring gap. Subsequently, the festive month ended with a total of 8 wins and 5 losses. As the New Year embarks, the Flames commence their first game on the road against Nashville Predators.
Game 37: Flames host the Edmonton Oilers
Flames earn points in 8 straight games as they defeat the Wilds 2-1 on home ice. In this low scoring game, both Daymond Langkow and Eric Nystrom were the ice breakers for their team. Subsequently, the Flames conclude the month of December with a final game on home ice as they battle their Albertan counterparts, the Edmonton Oilers on December 31st.
Forget Combos: Flames 2 - Wild 1
Calgary is slowly chipping away at the top of the NW division taking in points in the past seven games. Whereas Minnesota, once a threat to lead the division have been struggling to win games in their boring and stifling trap system. The Flames seemed to succumb to a team without any firepower or even defense. Heck the back up goalie was in net. But Mike Keenan thinks that the best way to prepare the team is to continuously juggle lines and keep the likes of third line check Craig Conroy on the top line to set up one of the league's best Jarome Iginla. Needless to say, the second line, kept together for the longest time, is scoring, whereas everybody else is trying to figure out a lasting consistent game.
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Game 36: Flames host the Minnesota Wild
In an impressive 6-3 victory on home ice, Rene Bourque was rewarded by his first career hat trick. Roy, Aucoin and Bertuzzi topped this performance with goals of their own. Despite giving up two goals initially, the Flames’ performance was outstanding as they won 60% of the draws and quickly picked up pace by out shooting their opponents 42-30. Alas, they were 0/4 on the power play and Regehr’s tripping penalty at 8.16 also gave the Senators an opportunity to drop their penalty killing statistics to 17.96%. Nevertheless, the Flames remained adamant until the final minutes of the play and have gained a three point lead over the Vancouver Canucks. Their next battle on home ice? … The Minnesota Wilds on December 29th.
Game 35: Flames host the Ottawa Senators
On the 23rd of December, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was present at the Pengrowth Saddledome to witness the performance of the Flames as they defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-3. In what was an impressive win, the home team definitely displayed one of their best performances on ice - Cammalleri, Conroy, Giordano and Iginla collected multiple points. Brent Sutter made an impressive impact on offence in his first debut as he and David Moss contributed goals to help his team mates battle the Ducks. Not to mention, Mikka had been outstanding as he stopped 30 shots on goal. In general, the whole team worked cohesively to earn the two points. The next challenge? - The Ottawa Senators on December 27th.
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