The Flames returned home after a brief two game road-trip that was essentially a massive debacle. The wheels have been falling off the wagon in a hurry, and fans have been quick to criticize. One of our most popular Flamesforum posts was the Columbus post-game where fans vented frustration for a team that’s supposedly a Cup contender.
You see, Calgary is capable, in fact, brilliant, the best team in over a decade–but that’s all on paper. On paper that talent is deep. On ice, the month of March has been a massive heartache with the team winning only six of fourteen games.
Tonight versus Minnesota they had a chance to start putting their game back together, or to fall clear off the face of the map. Fans sat apprehensive for most of the first, choosing to be apathetic Calgarians (easily shamed by rockous Columbus fans).
Calgary came out of the gate running and mostly didn’t let off the gas. Yes, the powerplay was busted again, however, they dominated the Wild for almost the entire 60 stretch. A relentless pursuit of the puck is Calgary bread and butter. The team returned to their old ways, a positive sign if things are going to turn around.
Despite 20 first period shots on goal Minnesota struck first mid-way off a quick turnaround from the offensive zone. Two minutes later the second line tied the game with Jamie Lundmark notching his 7th (no minors for him this year.)
Carrying the momentum forward two minutes after the tieing goal Langkow scored his 20th collecting a pretty feed from Bertuzzi behind the net.
Minnesota tied the game mid-way through the second period after the Flames were caught watching the play–all five Flames i nfront of the net but none taking the man.
Calgary got a chance to go back in front on the PP and thought they did when Jokinen scored with Glencross screening in front. At 14:16, Olli Jokinen scored but it was waved off because Glencross had a toe in the crease. In reality toes in creases are allowed, but the hot referee zealously waved it off.
At 14:52, Glencross scored this time, but it too was waved off frantically. This time a high stick. The first one should have counted (Kiprusoff has had way worse treatment that have counted), the second one not so much.
The quiet crowd finally woke up sending a chorus of boos to the ice for the refs (wasn’t Fraser this time).
Thankfully, two minutes later, Eric Nystrom, fresh off a change (and getting more ice time as of late) collected a beautiful Jarome Iginla pass on a 2v1 and scored his second in four games. That would prove to be a winner as the Flames shut the door the rest of the way.
Despite the upswing the Flames still have major issues. Brief defensive breakdowns give untimely momentum and goals to opposing teams. The top line is still dead, although showing flashes of brilliance. Jarome Iginla is still slumping like mad. Anybody who says iggy is playing normal needs to take a look at this point totals lately and how he spend most of the game on the edges.
Notes: Limited playing time for Cammalleri on the third line tonight. Less than 20 shots against. Lundmark with two points tonight.
Of course, I’m very glad for the win, despite poor judgement by the referee.
Still we sure seem to be snake bit when it comes to scoring.
Big, and I mean big reps to Nystrom, who I have seen playing his heart out all year.
Nystrom is playing well, although keep him on lines 3-4 please. Don’t put players where they don’t belong.
I have to agree with you daryl, I don’t like seeing players shifted around either..
I think it breaks up continuity
Of course the two disallowed goals had been disappointing, but I am glad that the Flames responded positively; but the fact remains that the “Zebra stripe Gods on ice have all the say”. They do what they see fit. As a valid example, perhaps I am wrong, but what happened between Toronto and Washington had also been unbelievable…. every Capital was in the crease….come to think of it… and shouldn’t it have been goalie interference then? But obviously the Zebras say not!. Of course they thought that the Caps needed atleast one point to stay alive and so be it…. Having said this, I believe that the Flames really have no luck with them at all and I am also in total consensus about Kiprusoff receiving worse treatment, but hasn’t that always been the norm?
Needless to say, from a fan’s perspective though the fact remains that the “What ifs”… are most disconcerting and the Flames cannot afford to take chances like the two shut out losses. The remaining games are very crucial and it will be a determining factor whether or not the Flames can survive the rough road to Lord Stanley.
What if the Columbus Blue Jackets do in fact become the first round opponents?
What if, the Flames take as many as fifteen penalities with the majority of our offensive players in the penalty box instead of contributing on ice?
What if Bertuzzi, Jokinen, Cammilleri get injured again before the playoffs?
What if the Flames are unable to score on man advantage and give up as many power play goals?
In short, the Flames will have to revert back to their winning ways. They need to demonstrate professionalism and discipline instead of aggressiveness on ice. Defensive forechecking is okay but the minor brawls are not.