From the get go the Calgary Flames looked like the stronger club. Playing their second game of a lengthy homestand the Flames start and finished strong. The PP scored 3 times including the opening goal less than 2 minutes into the game.
With the installation of new boards and glass the bounces are much different in the building. Certainly an advantage for the hometeam. Case in point, on the first goal Dion Phaneuf purposefully missed the net and the puck landed on Huselius’ stick for the first goal of the game.
Calgary dominated the opening 15 minutes with many scoring opportunities, but it would be the Oilers who scored next; Sam Gagner collecting his first NHL goal on only the 3rd shot of the game.
Iginla connected on a nice even strength tally courtesy of Langkow after good down low pressure and passes. The play shifted throughout the second period but it was bad penalties that eventually cost Edmonton the game. Raffi Torres tried to get Edmonton going, we think, and made a bone-headed cheapshot on Moss hitting him in the head on his blind side.
Calgary needs to know Godard is around to fight. Nolan and Warrener picked up majors sticking up for teammates which is fine, but we pay a big man to do the damage so let him throw.
The game was out of reach due to all the third period PP goals. Phaneuf and Aucoin scored on the first team PP unit to round out the scoring. ALl around, a good win for the Flames looking to win ‘easier’ games. Hopefully this win will help the overall on-ice refinement process.
Notes: Wayne Primeau left the game in the first with a possible sprained ankle (after going heavy into the end board). Moss left the game in the second after the cheapshot to the head.