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.


Special teams were the name of the game for the rest of the first. Both team killed of their minors, most of them accrued during a brief foray involving Iginla v Boll and Nystrom v Tolfestan. Both teams would go into the first intermission unscathed other than Calgary’s marker early.

The second period harbored the rest of the scoring. In the first ten Tanguay chipped in with this 8th, Columbus drew within one, and last weeks’ NHL all-star Jarome Iginla came through with his 24th of the year. Huselius had an off night with only two points.

Columbus did pour on the pressure especially in the third period with a number of man advantages but Calgary was equal to the task. From 30th in the league last month to a paltry 25th in the league, Calgary is slowly moving up in the special teams PK stat. They’re also moving up in the standing, and although rivals have plenty of games in hands, the Flames are doing what they can–that is win the games they have in front of them.

A perfect six road trip, now for the bigger test, some home games. November was a month to forget, but December is slowly becoming a month to remember; Calgary hasn’t lost in regulation time since Nov 29th.

Notes: Owen Nolan sat out with an undisclosed injury. Primeau played his second game back from a leg injury.