The inability to convert on the power play has once again killed the Flames. Any team can easily defend the Flames’ boring power play strategy which consists of pass around the perimeter and wait for the point shot. No wonder goals on the PP are few and far between.
The Flames for the first time in a while, were outworked 5v5 and lost the game on special teams. The game was broken open in the second as Lombardi scored short-handed for his tenth of the season. On the same power play Ohlund tied the game after Amonte yet again got caught too far away to defend the cross ice pass.
The game got nasty in the second period when Vancouver fans began their chant ‘Calgary Sucks’. (Poor bumcouver fans only have one thing to say these days, ah well, let them be).
The overall inability for the Flames to capitalize on 2-1 and 2-0 spelled disaster. The Canucks capitalized on quick turnovers and almost scored two quick goals if it weren’t for a crashing the crease penalty by Burrows. Turnovers eventually the cost the Flames the game as the ‘Nucks scored in the 3rd to make it 3-1.
After all the power plays for the Flames the Canucks finally got some penalty love and received a 5v3 power play when both Phaneuf and Regehr were called. The Flames of course got more PP chances but couldn’t even get a shot on goal. In fact, no shot was recorded in the 3rd until the 10 minute mark. Apparently the Flames like to take their time shooting, waiting waiting waiting.
Notes: Hamrlik left the game after suffering a groin injury. He is day to day, Warrener is not close to returning, Friesen factored back into the line up as well as Prust. Yelle may make an appearance at the end of the road trip.
