Some say Calgary’s spanking by San Jose, the outright 1-6 embarrassment earlier in November, coupled with a 1-6 loss to Chicago two games prior, was the turning point for the team. Since those losses the team has captured 33 of a possible 44 points (.750). However, two nights ago in Chicago Calgary was destroyed yet again leaving fans scratching their head. Perhaps that loss was enough to wake the Flames up from the impending doom at home if they put in a similar effort.
Lazy Saddledome Fans Among Quietest in League
It took Calgary one period of play to score three goals, four times the amount the last time these two teams played. In fact, San Jose didn’t register a shot on goal until the three minutes remaining in the first. All Calgary much to the delight of the quiet Saddledome fans. Langkow, Giordano, and Glencross all combined to score.
The second period the tide shifted in favour of San Jose. That was after Langkow collected his second goal a minute in. Nabokov got the hook and ex-Flame Brian Boucher came into the net, although he wouldn’t have to make a hard save all period long. The Sharks took the play to the Flames, and a series of penalties gave them the chance to get back into the game. Two unanswered goals drew them within two; two was also the number of roughing penalties Seminov and Roy took for their two fights….weird I know.
Would the Flames hang on in the third? With 16 shots in the first, 3 in the second Calgary were certainly outplayed at times but hung on for the win. David Moss made it five with Lombardi in front for the screen. The good news was the domination Calgary displayed in the first. The bad news, they can’t consistently put out that kind of effort which still makes them out of reach of being an ‘elite’ NHL team.
Notes: Vandermeer is going to return next week. Pardy will come out, however, he does give the Flames more options in the back. Another eerily quiet night for Iginla who is CRAVING a worthy centerman to feed him passes.
Yes, it took the Flames offence only one period to score three goals and that in itself should be blessing. More importantly, it wasn’t until the two man advantage that got the Sharks into the game and their much needed momentum – thanks to the refs for that too and of course, David Moss’ timely goal. Of noteworthy is the fact that it was the elite team (#1 in Western conference) that the Flames beat and that in itself should be the best and most inspiring for the fans, players and the coach.
It will be good to see Vandermeer back again. Though silent, the Captain certainly inspires his team-mates in many ways.