Unlikely Hero Gets Flames Two Points

It was the second game in three nights for the Flames, and the competition wasn’t getting easier. Finishing off Detroit in style on Tuesday, tonight would see the team face-off against Nashville, a squad they just can’t seem to beat.

The first period saw a similar fore-checking battle Calgary re-established in the Detroit game. Mind you, it would be a special teams showdown that would take center stage. Arnott scored on the PP for Nashville, which is potent, particularly against Calgary. Later, Tanguay replied for the Flames. Amonte at the end of the first managed to hit the post (in fact, Hale early in the game did the same) but both stayed out.

Off to the second period where the play moved back and forth fast. I enjoyed watching Calgary’s D slam Nashville forwards all night. Shifty Kariya managed to allude many, the same could not be said for Foresberg.

Some tense moments were traded as Nashville had plenty of powerplay opportunities. But it would be the Predators that would need luck as Calgary rank even more shots off the post. About four all together in the night off the post.

Hamshius and Iginla had something going throughout the second period, but in good Trashville style he didn’t want to drop the gloves. Later he’s get an Iginla elbow straight in the chops and you couldn’t help but laugh.

It looked like the period would end in a draw, but with 20 seconds left and the Flames notoriously shutting it down early, Nashville managed to put on serious later pressure. Arnott almost put Nashville ahead but Kiprusoff made his best save of the night.

The third period would be a tense one, but with the ice still fresh it was Nashville capitalizing on a broken play. Forsberg who was quiet all night made a nifty backhand pass to put the Preds up 2-1.

Calgary poured on the pressure with 15 minutes to go that made for an exciting final frame. Just when you thought Nashville would get all the luck, all the posts, and all the penalties, the Flames catch a break off a deflection. Iginla took a shot and it bounced off two Nashville players and straight to Conroy who potted his 10th. Tie game, and with 3 minutes left, overtime.

Warrener the Scoring Machine

Overtime was exciting mostly because the crowd was back into the game. Calgary surprisingly kept the play going, (controlling the play for most of the game) and had many chances in the OT period.

Half way through the teams would line up in the Nashville zone. Calgary won the draw (they have been doing better in this area lately) and Tanguay took control of the puck. Warrener was lined up as the RW but faked going back to the point which left him wide open in front. Tanguay spotted the wide open Warrener and sent him a crisp pass the he managed to deflect. The puck barely trickled past the line as the crowd issued a sigh of relief in the form of an enormous cheer. 3-2 Flames and two points for their race to catch Minnesota who did win.

The Flames are picking a good time to put things together. Lately they have been beating good teams, and doing it well. If they can build on this, then a lengthly playoff run is definitley a possibility.

Notes: The lineup did not change from Detroit. Yelle was hobbled a few times but stayed in the game. Hale continued some good play in the defensive zone and Ritchie stay in with Moss out hurt. It seems to work with Amonte as RW on the second line, but man, what does that guy need to score?