Sean Avery, given undue attention by local media regarding comments he made earlier in the year regarding the ‘boring Mr. Iginla’, was suspended before he could even face the wrath of the Flames. The NHL suspended Avery (Dallas would have if they hadn’t) for comments he made regarding Elisha Cutherbert, current girlfriend of Phaneuf and ex-GF of Avery.
“I’m really happy to be back in Calgary. I love Canada, I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don’t know what that’s about, but enjoy the game tonight.”
Let’s hope he gets demoted to the minors permanently. Too bad he didn’t play come to think of it. The intensity was absent, the Saddledome was quieter than a high school volleyball game, and the Flames were faced with a trap style Dallas Stars.
In fact, Avery clearly did his part to completely shut down Calgary stars, well perhaps that’s a bit far, but Dion Phaneuf and Jarome Iginla both had poor games, the former the worst game of the season. Calgary as you see, couldn’t beat the league’s WORST team.
For the first seven minutes Calgary dominated play showing why Dallas is the worst in the league. However, it was Dallas that hit the scoreboard first off yet another lazy defensive zone giveaway by Dion Phaneuf.
Stoppages were few after the goal, so were hits, chances, etc. The usual quiet crowd almost witnessed a goal late on a delayed Dallas penalty but Adrian missed his chance twice.
Fans had reason to cheer early as Calgary re-started their powerplay to start the second. The second unit cashed in courtesy of David Moss from a rebound off Adrian Aucoin. Noticing no TV time Dion Phaneuf junked his pants by getting caught yet again out of position then losing the man off the rebound. -2 so far for Phaneuf.
The top line, particularly Jarome Iginla, did nothing interesting to generate offense, however, the second unit with David Moss continued to threaten for goals, Moss getting some great chances but failing to capitalize.
Third period pitted Calgary v. Dallas trap. End result? Marty Turco standing tall and Calgary losing the game. No fireworks, no punches, no big hits, hardly any goals, etc. On the road now for Calgary, hope they can turn it around and the ‘stars’ can play a WHOLE lot better.
I see Avery came out and apologized today. Too little, too late as far as I’m concerned. I would like to see the guy gone for good. Sure, he’s a character and he gets people talking about hockey, but always in a negative light. Guys like Brian Burke, Jeremy Roenick, and Brett Hull know how to walk the line between being controversial and being an idiot. Avery needs to get a clue.
The harm was done nonetheless, although Avery cannot be blamed for the loss totally. The Flames did not perform up to their potential and hopefully, they can get back on track soon.