April 6, 2010 at 9:03 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
It's all done. Tonight's loss against SJ and Colorado's impending win, has put the nail in the coffin for the Flames' playoff chances. The league's NUMBER ONE underperforming NHL team won't make the playoffs.
The team will break for summer early, look at the themselves in the mirror, and wonder what will happen next.
One thing's for sure, fans won't tolerate this team anymore. 1/3 of it changed 2/3 of the way through the season, it wasn't good enough. No. We need changes that propel this team into the NEW NHL. Not the old systems the Sutter's hold dear, we need changes that will help the team, not change for change sake.
More coverage to come on this debacle of a season.
April 4, 2010 at 2:29 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
There's a reason why the Flames will never win the Cup--they aren't a good hockey team. Yes, they are almost playing against the salary cap (the max), but inreality they are overpaid to under perform. But don't you think the Flames should AT LEAST make the playoffs? Can't do that either it seems. Yes, mathematically the team is still in it, but when you're top players (Iginla no goals in 8 games, Bouwmeester 3 goals ALL YEAR!?) can't score, you're not going to perform in the playoffs let alone up to average standards.
This afternoon Calgary had a chance to go two points ahead of Colorado who play tonight against SJ. Instead the team pooped the bed yet again. The only goal was scored by a defencemen, the forwards can't score for the life of them (and no I don't think getting rid of iginla is the answer, but having him score the odd goal would be nice.)
Frankly, the Flames played a potential Stanley Cup contender and were horribly outclassed. The main difference? The Flames have zero scoring. And no, the Toronto Maple Leafs cast aways are not the answer to our problems.
April 2, 2010 at 9:57 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
It comes down to this....well actually the last five games are all 'it comes down to this' games. Tonight was particularly important because Calgary was playing the Avalanche who were two points ahead of the FLames holding the 8th and final playoff spot. A win would give the Flames a chance, a loss would probably end it for good. 2 weeks ago I thought it was all over, and in many ways it is, but Calgary still has a glimmer of hope to make the post-season this year.
March 31, 2010 at 10:10 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Calgary seems to wanna play hardcore hockey at the tail end of the season. Who would expect that the Flames would be where they are now, in 9th place looking at a glimmer of hope to make the playoffs. They wouldn't be in this place if they played CONSISTENT hockey. But the fact is we're missing pieces and performers.
Tonight Mikael Backlund looked like the hottest Flames making some neat passes we haven't seen in ages. He set up the eventual game-winning goal scored by Ales Kotalik. Is it too little too late? Perhaps, but at least it makes Friday's game against Colorado all the more interesting (given the fact the Avs lost tonight and that game will put Calgary in a tie for 8th if they win.)
March 28, 2010 at 9:56 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under AHL News
We all hate stupid refs, turns out so does Jim Playfair. Props to him for his wicked rendition of Hulk Hogan. Terrible, terrible call by the official. Too bad the Flames don't have the same passion (I wonder if he replaced those $200 sticks?!)
March 28, 2010 at 9:46 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
*Flames need to win all six of their last six to make the playoffs*
I still think there's no hope, but mathematically there is. In true Flames fashion the team showed up for 2/3 of the game today and thankfully scored enough goals in the first period to stave off a overwhelming final 20 minutes. Calgary now will sit and wait to see how Colorado does and whether they'll show up for another 2/3's of a game Wednesday against the red hot ex-Flames Phoenix Coyotes.
Friday's game against Colorado may actually be one of the crucial games of the season if Calgary win's both.......Should be an interesting week in the wild swing of emotions this team is giving us.
March 25, 2010 at 6:31 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
Mathematically the Flames are still in the hunt for the playoffs. Realistically they have to win ALL of their games for the rest of the season to have a chance. FAT chance. When you can BARELY get 20 shots on goal against the third worst team in the NHL you have ZERO Business being in the playoffs. We should have known this team was a goner in January, but we held hope.....only to be let down.
The night marked Eric Nystrom's visit to NY, the same place his dad's a hero. Nystrom did his part having a two point night. The 'top line', whoever they are, were full of lazy players (Bourque is either coasting or injured because his play is atrocious). Top line went -2.
This all spells INABILITY to prepare for game and a simply lack of heart. Good job Flames, you're done and made this city a laughing stock in hockey. (But at least Edmonton's worse).
March 23, 2010 at 11:09 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
The Flames must run the tables now. The inconsistent team can eek their way into playoff existence but it's not going to be easy. They have to beat teams below them in the standings. Would've helped to beat Minnesota, which they didn't, and tonight against Anaheim....
Calgary spent the first period chasing the puck around the ice. Luckily they got a lucky goal off Nigel Dawes' body on the PP to boot. But the Flames need more than lucky goals, although they'll take each one. In comes Nick Hagman.
March 21, 2010 at 2:45 pm - By: Barry Flames · Filed under Post Game
The Calgary Flames need to win 9 of their last 10 to make the playoffs.
It confuses why million dollar hockey players can't wake up in time for an afternoon game. Rene Bourque in particular, even though he's been playing soft since his huge contract extension, was exceptionally lazy tonight. Rene Bourque has stopped scoring, stopped passing, stopped battling, and stopped hitting.
Thats just what the Flames need, players taking nights off because they've locked up a fat contract.
Calgary was badly outplayed in the first period and could've gone down 3-0 if it wasn't for some lucky saves by Vesa Tokola who started the game. But he didn't last very long.