Having only played two games since the All-Star break, the Calgary Flames were well rested against a Dallas team that played last night in Edmonton. The usual dead crowd did nothing to help along the home-team so it was about 10 minutes before things really got moving. After trading some good scoring chances, the top line managed to pressure Dallas deep. If it wasn’t for quality goaltending and timely posts the Flames may have exited the first period with the lead.
Marty Turco stood tall for the Stars but couldn’t last forever. Despite numerous PP opportunities in the game Calgary never managed to capitalize. However, Langkow and the topline put the Flames up first with some good ol’ fashion net crashing. Miikka Kiprusoff was playing equally well, however, late in the second a lucky bounce caught the netminder off guard. Riberio–hockey’s answer to the dive–scored to tie the game.
It was fitting that these two teams would go into the third tied. If it wasn’t for the quiet crowd this game would have been loud and enjoyable. Unfortunately for the Flames, the difference in the game wasn’t the zone play, which they dominated, but goaltending. Despite a solid performance, Kiprusoff let in a questionable goal midway through the third.
That would spell comeback for the Flames, and although they had plenty of chances they couldn’t find the back of the net. Lucky bounces, good goaltending, bad reffing, heck, you name it, none of them really played a part. This playoff style game ended in a close draw but in the end Dallas came out on top.
Notes: The whole team is healthy which meant Eriksson, Nilson, and Smith sat.
