Colorado used to boast continual sellouts, however, recently their dynasty has dropped to the level of bottom basement dwellers in the NW division. Nonetheless, although the team was badly outplayed throughout most of the game, they found ways to capitalize on their chances.
The Calgary Flames resumed their divisional rivalry with the Avalanche carrying a 17 point lead in the standings. Although Calgary came out hard and quietened a sparse Colorado crowd by scoring the first goal, and although Calgary dominated most of the play, Colorado had the edge with lucky bounces, however, should be credited with taking advantage of lazy defensive play.
Dion Phaneuf Still a Waste of Money
For the Flames, all lines were firing lead by the second line, fueled by Todd Bertuzzi’s energy, scored first thanks to Rene Bourque. Colorado took the lead scoring twice, in fact, they tallied four times whereas Calgary only three times after two. Adrian Aucoin tied the game at two, and Jarome Iginla scored to tie it at three, we can only hope he’s starting to find the scoring touch. .
Colorado quickly responded yet again scoring their third goal. Despite no sustained pressure Colorado did manage to capitalize on Calgary breakdown. Namely, Dion Phaneuf, who continues his downgrade, is having difficulty putting up points, and doesn’t hold his own defensively. He was beat coming back on the rush that lead to the Avalanche’s go ahead goal. In the third he coasted around the defensive zone causing a 2v1 that lead to the Flames’ going shorthanded. No good for 6 million a year. Although he started playing nasty, with 50 seconds left in the game–totally useless.
Luckily for the Flames the third period is their best, that is only if they stick to the gameplan. It seems as though the dead crowd in Colorado contributed to the Flames lackluster play in the third. Calgary had their forecheck going for most of the game, but some key moments in the defensive zone handed Colorado chances they shouldn’t have had.
Two points lost to another bottom basement team, points the Flames, as a supposed elite team, aren’t supposed to give up so easy.
As much as it pains me, I must finally admit it. Phanueff is costing us goals if not games. I think we would be better off having Vandemeer or even Warrener replace him. Maybe a few games on the bench watching what good defensemen do would be a big help to Dion.
He’s slumping, and has been slumping since October. Not a good year for him, but a chance to rebound still.
It happens to the best of us….