December 29, 2007 at 11:46 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Calgary landed home for a brief 3 game homestand looking to get back on track with winning ways. The Ducks were in town to play an important NW division game; both teams hovering around 8th place in the West. Lately, the Flames have been unable to put together solid outings for 60 minutes let alone wins at home. The home town crowd eagerly searched for reason to cheer and received one early in the first period as Calgary came out hard capitalizing on a quick shot by Boyd for the early lead. Following Boyd's goal the team literally fell asleep.
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December 28, 2007 at 1:25 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
The Calgary Flames failed again to move ahead in the NW division squandering more divisional points. Calgary's shotty goaltending and inability to take defensive assignments (three goals on second chances with Flames players standing around aimlessly--quitting on the play.)
Once again, the team proves they are a huge work in progress. Things started out alright....
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December 18, 2007 at 7:38 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
For the first time since the Flames one the cup in '88 Calgary has one six straight road-trip games (on the same trip) in the row. Calgary needed a solid road-trip in order to save their season, in the end, they go plenty more than what many had bargained for.
The first period proved to be favorable for the Flames. Some early penalty trouble for the Jackets left Calgary with a 5v3 PP. A month ago this would have been trouble, Calgary with the PP, but lately the top line has been producing on special teams and regular strength. Aucoin potted his 9th of the year with Iginla screening on the man advantage.
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December 16, 2007 at 6:39 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Flames Continues Road Wins
The fifth road win in a row have placed Calgary into contention for top spot in the NW division. The team is facing a complete reversal of fortunes compared to two weeks ago when they were fighting at the bottom of the West. Iginla yet again took the team on his shoulders and the rest scraped out a chippy win. Iginla even passed on an attempt for the hat-trick on the empty net by passing off to Langkow. Some intense fight videos will be up tomorrow (complete with Dion's black eye).
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December 15, 2007 at 12:48 am - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Road Victories Continue
Calgary just vaulted (albeit with extra games) from 9th to 7th, back into a playoff spot and are now 4-0 on their 6 game road trip with their latest victory in Carolina. The Flames should be proud they can do one thing lately--find ways to win. Frankly, there are defensive woes at the moment that are only being covered up by wins. Less Regher, the entire defensive corps is struggling to be consistent. Phanuef may have 7 points in 2 games but he's caused a few as well. Kiprusoff has been soft on a few goals, but the tea mhas managed to score more. Alas, it's crucial that NHL teams find ways to win even when all aspects of their game aren't clicking--this is the case with Calgary now. Which of course leaves an interesting situation. If they can find ways to win now, what about when they can actually play solid defense rather than letting 30+ shots per game?
December 13, 2007 at 8:16 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Huselius & Iginla with Hat-Trick
Calgary entered their third road-game of six and the first of a back-to-back against the SE division. The Flames are still hunting for a playoff spot and this very well could be a turning point game for the entire season. Visiting Tampa only for the second time since the 2004 playoff run, the home team, despite having poor attendance, have been touting Vincent Lecalvalier as the NHL's best player. Yes he's good, but anybody with hockey sense would say there's plenty of room in the 'best' category for more than just Lecalvalier.
I tuned in late for this one and enjoyed the early lead for Calgary. Not even before I had a chance to sit down I was watching a replay of Tampa's tying goal. Not bad, 1-1, but before I could open my drink, 10 seconds later Tampa Bay scores again off another failed attempt to clear the zone. A sign of things to come? Oh yes. Calgary went down 2-1 quick but the scoring wasn't over, not by a long shot.
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December 11, 2007 at 8:21 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Calgary arrived in Sunny Florida (why is hockey there again?) to play a hot and cold Florida team for the first and only time this season. The Flames were coming off a solid win against Chicago seeking to continue their trip to a playoff position (it's a huge uphill battle now folks). The first period was a carry over from Chicago with Calgary dominating play for 20 minutes. The only problem? No goals.
Huselius had plenty, make that too many, scoring opportunities but nothing found the back of the net. Calgary's old nemesis Vokoun continued his strong play against the play even in another uniform. Unfortunately for the Flames, their second period was not like the first.
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