Calgary opened their 2008-09 playoffs at home in front of a largely subdued crowd. The Flames required an exceptional effort from their big guns in an attempt to thwart Chicago’s dominance on the series. With the likes of Havlat and Toews dominating the series thus far the home crowd waited to see who would step up.
First periods were huge for the Flames, in fact they’ve lead now 8 of 9 periods this series. Tonight, however, in the first period the home team were caught flat footed.
For the first time in the series Chicago struck first, and early, early enough to silence the home town crowd. You had a glimpse of a sensation that the entire series was at a loss. Calgary, to their credit, clawed back slowly, and late in the first period, the fourth line tied things up thanks to a beauty by Nystrom.
The see saw battle went back and forth in the second period much like game 1 and 2. What fans feared was the result would be the same as well.
It took a lucky bounce after Oli Jokinen went in hard on the forecheck to turn the tide. Rene Bourque, returning after ringing his nogging after throwing a hit, walked the goal-line and banked a puck off of Khabibulin, one that he should have had.
As a result Calgary went into the third with the lead, however, it didn’t take long for them to solidify their hold after David Moss struck not once, but twice, to give the Flames a three goal cushion.
Chicago made it 4-2 after Dion leveled Toews and was caught out of position (actually he had time to get back but took his sweet time).
Nine different Flames had points, which is good, different guys are contributing but it also means top players aren’t dominating. Total points from Igilna tonight? Zero. Cammalleri? Zero.
Iginla, where are you? 2 minutes of playing time in the third period. Not something indicative of an all-star.
Perhaps the dumbest thing for Chicago (Adam Burrish) to do is to wake up Iginla. If he tears it up from now on you have him to thank. And FYI, the bogus referees caught three slashes on Bourque, but they missed the monster two handed cross check from Burrish on Bourque. Totally appalling.
Notes: Big ups to Cory Sarich who’s penalty killing was huge in the third. Now nerves can be transferred to another must win game Wednesday at 8PM.
At first I thought it was going to be another “tupid” night for Jokenin but he redeemed himself. Whole team win. Good to see Sarich play a solid game. He may get his health back enough to start making Chicago players looking for the truck that just hit them. Now if we can get Regher back and ‘nueff remembering that there are still another four players to worry about after you train-wreck one we should be in great shape by the time we get back to Chicago.
And maybe, just maybe, iggy woke up.
want to know why the top lines aren’t scoring? Because Keenan doesn’t keep them together long enough! Keenan may be a more exprerienced coach but he is outfoxing his own team with all the switches and line juggling!
Go Flames go!
It’s just one game, but certainly something to feel good about and build from. Sarich may have had one of his best of the season, and finally Jokinen did something worty of his icetime. Iggy is going to have to focus that angst into production, cause without our big guns firing…I don’t like our chances in the long run. Keenan…can you just keep a line together for more than a shift? Iggy/Langkow/Cammy was flying around….for the one shift they were together.
Jokenin is a shooter. We don’t need a shooter centering for Iggy and Cammy. We need a center who can get these guys the puck and muck it up in front of the net. Even Conroy would be a better center for them
Good physical performance from the boys, and Jokinen put his heart into the game. Way to go Olli!. Tribute to David Moss for notching two powerful goals that inspired the needed momentum for the home team and their fans. The point here is “no matter who gets the points and who scores, as long as the Flames are victorious!!!
Thanks to the nine players for their contribution. There is only one disconcerting fact: The Chicago BlackHawks are a conniving team and every effort will be made to indulge the Flames to fight and that is a definite no no no. The more penalties the Flames get the more opportunities for the opponent to capitalize… and we have the evidence right in front of us: “the bogus referees caught three slashes on Bourque, but they missed the monster two handed cross check from Burrish on Bourque”
Flames have to play and win it professionally if they want to advance, they have to remain healthy, well and in good shape.
Keys to game 4.
– back off when your opponent attacks
– use your talent and skills to outsmart the Hawks. Game 3 was great
– maintain your discipline and professionalism
– We cannot afford any major or bench penalties.
– defence defence defence will have to be much more stronger
To Iginla: Your leadership is needed. Stay away from arguments.
To Kiprussoff: You are a Flame who will need the HAWK’s eyes
To the coach: Keep smiling coach. You look awesome!
Great penalty killing Cory, Keep it up.
Must win Wednesday, boys. We are with you every game you play.
Sorry for late post on the game. First off I have to thank all the Flames for playing so well. I was a bit miffed at Olli when he started the game on the wrong foot and took that careless penalty thaf cost us a goal. At the same I loved how he was starting the game with a bang and being physical. Calgary has to keep up this style of play to be successful and win hockey games. Overall great game by most of the team. I lost a lot of respect for the Hawks after this game and would love to see Calgary stick it to them good from now on. It looked like they have awoken the sleeping giant in Iggy, that last minute of the game could well be the turning point of tnis series. Go Flames Go!!!
My goodness. Back on the wagon are we?
We will let you support Canada’s Team this year – let us help you up when you are down.
Who are you referring to “Man Up”?
I wouldn’t worry about that post by Man Up. He is obviously a Nuck van trolling around, trying to stir us up. Funny how that works, he is talking about us being band wagon jumpers and the Nuck fans were no where to be seen when Van lost their team for those games and lost 9 straight. Van has never won anything either and even though they are cocky now, they still won’t have a Cup after this year. Go Flames Go!!!
not a good game, but an exciting one tonight…they won’t get away with squandering a 3 goal lead again.
I was referring to not all Flames fans – only the obnoxious ones. I am also echoing comments made on the CBC site.
Unfortunately for this year’s team: Ollie ‘Deer-in-headlights’ Jokinen will be nowhere to be found come crunch time…and the Flames can only fold-up like a cheap lawn chair with Keenan at the helm.
Your comments are untrue, given that the canucks have the most sell-outs in a row in the league, despite having accomplished litte over the period of 40 years. However, we will let you on the bandwagon.
I have respect for Flames fans when they are passioante and not obnoxious – at least they don’t boo anthems. Perhaps we can agree on this.
Right Man Up, we can agree about not booing someone’s National Anthem, and also we should agree that winning or losing a series shouldn’t be an excuse to riot in the streets either.
Flaming Moe said: “I wouldn’t worry about that post by Man Up.”
No, do not worry about my post. Instead, worry about your team. I simply speak truth when people are blinded by their allegiance.
Hey man up, please refrain from insulting our players. If you don’t like them, you are most welcome to support your own home team and forget about inserting nasty comments about our players. I am sure there are better things to do then waste your time reading the blog comments.