With four starters lost in the past three games Calgary is certainly singing the sick-bay blues. Now the question remains will the remaining Flames pick up the slack and continue their winning ways? Will they maintain their hold on the NW division or will they give up ground on Vancouver? Well Vancouver lost to Montreal tonight, so it was up to the Flames to add points.
It took less than a minute for the top line to score, Jarome Iginla getting on the scoresheet early. A much needed lead to help the depleted Flames. However, that would last for long as Columbus tied up the game two minutes later.
The Blue Jackets controlled most of the play in the first and beginning of the second. Calgary didn’t sustain sustained pressure until 12 minutes into the second lead by Jarome Iginla who started things off for the Flames in the first minute.
The first Flames PP came midway through the second. Calgary retook the momentum and faced the CBJ PK. Dion Phaneuf, like old times, shimmied around the point and unloaded a shot past Mason with Moss screening in front.
The PP has come under much criticism as of late, trying to break down a man advantage into a simple steps to increase scoring. Calgary’s next goal came courtesy of Cammalleri (by the way, this dude is thinking of going with the highest bidder? Who’s going to set him up like Iggy? NOBODY). With extra man on the ice on a delayed penalty Iginla made a cross zone pass from blue line to goal line that gave Cammalleri the empty net to shoot at.
Columbus had two shots in the third but 15 in the first. Calgary dominated play from the mid-way point in the second. There wasn’t even much of a chance for Columbus in the final frame. However, Jarome Iginla potted his 24th into the empty net (and to cap a four point night).
That’s another two points and now a ten point lead on the Canucks.
Notes: Line combos were all over the map but most players received more than usual work including the forth line.