Welcome Flamesforum readers to our first post-game, albeit pre-season, of the 2008-09 NHL season. Tonight the Calgary Flames picked up their first pre-season win in their second attempt versus the Phoenix Coyotes at the MTS Center in Winnipeg. The old Jets returned to their old home to a fan base that’s–well–changed somewhat in the favour of the Flames. Both teams skated lineups without their top stars–likely slotted for tomorrow’s rematch in Calgary–but the game wasn’t without its excitement.
Less than a minute into the first period Dion Phaneuf got off to his old ways coughing up the puck in his own zone that quickly lead to the early lead for Phoneix. By the time fans were settled into their seat the Flames were playing catch up despite controlling the puck for most of the first period. Sustained forechecking created a number of chances, lead mostly by Rene Bourque who put in a solid effort yet couldn’t finish.
Phoenix went up 2-0 with Enver Lisen’s second goal of the night from one of Phoenix’s rare sustained moments in the Calgary zone. The lasted about half way through the second until Dion Phaneuf made up for his error and slapped home a bouncer to beat Al Montoya who was otherwise solid.
Credit Calgary for keeping up the pressure. Although special teams didn’t capitalize they consistently battled along the boards and were rewarded with two more goals by Matt Pelech and Daymond Langkow with the eventual game winner.
Notes: Matt Keetley played all 60 minutes in goal and looked sharp. Still haven’t seen much of the fourth line (Prust). Roy had a quick dustup that lead to nothing but a quick loss.
[tags]lisen
