The Calgary Flames failed again to move ahead in the NW division squandering more divisional points. Calgary’s shotty goaltending and inability to take defensive assignments (three goals on second chances with Flames players standing around aimlessly–quitting on the play.)
Once again, the team proves they are a huge work in progress. Things started out alright….
Calgary killed off the first powerplay of the game and managed to score on their first going up 1-0 off a Jarome tip. Craig Conroy and Matthew Lombardi scored 1:54 apart to tie the game in the second period for the Flames. But with defenseman Robyn Regehr off for elbowing, Henrik Sedin completed a pretty passing play from twin brother Daniel and Naslund by one-touching the puck through Miikka Kiprusoff’s legs from the top of the crease.
Kiprusoff, who was replaced by Curtis McElhinney after giving up five goals on 20 shots, was less than average (somewhat like the defense, namely Phanuef and his pseudo defence).
The Flames were looking to tie a franchise record with their seventh straight road win, and it looked good early. The ambition never materialised as Calgary’s defence were out of sync with the forwards. Anybody notice losses ever since Godard comes out of the line up?
The Flames failed to capitalize on a four-minute power play shortly after that, and Sedin gave the Canucks the lead with 3:19 left in the period, spinning around Cory Sarich to the outside before trickling a 15-foot backhand through Kiprusoff’s legs.
The only eruption of emotion came from David Hale who took exception to a Matt Cooke hit attempt. Surprisingly Matt Cooke obliges for a fight.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZDCxzBiyiw]
Next up, another important western game against Anaheim at home on Saturday. This is a must win for the team to prove to the home crowd they can actually win closer than 1000 miles from home.
Notes: Nolan returned to the Flames; Warrener is nearing return.
