In perhaps the best series of this year’s NHL playoff’s, the Flames and Hawks squared off for game four in Calgary. All eyes were on the teams on how they’d respond after the media hyped the end-game shenanigans that took place in game 3.
Mike Keenan was chirping for two days about the unpunished Adam Burrish hit on Bourque (two hand cross check to the face). He stated Bourque was day to day, nobody believed him, the league did nothing, and guess what, Bourque didn’t play.
Would that factor into Calgary’s on ice performance? Not really, although there were some tense second period moments.
Nystrom with Epic 3 Point Performance
Much like game one, Calgary came out with a moderate effort yet Chicago scored first. No huge hits or after whistle problems, but Patrick Kane–on the top line–potted his first 4 minutes in.
Thankfully, get this, the powerplay for Calgary responded a minute and half later. Jarome Iginla wired a low shortside shot past Kahbibulin, who the Flames have cracked after putting 5 past him tonight.
That was all the scoring for the first period, yet the hits were ferocious and the fans put in a better showing compared to game 3.
The second period was where the excitement kicked in. Oli Jokinen, mostly a non factor this series, picked him game up in Game 3. He carried it forward tonight and was +4 with three points. He started the scoring in the second with less than a minute in. Before the period was half way done Jokinen scored again and assisted on Aucoin’s seeing eye shot to give the Flames a 4-1 lead.
Nystrom had a huge game, big hits, killing penalties, and collecting 3 points. Big ups to him. Not to be outdone, Jarome Iginla carried on awakened from his sleeping state after Game three with a three point night of his own.
However, the scoring wasn’t over yet. Chicago answered back in the second half of period two with three goals of their own. The Calgary crowd was stunned, the 3rd line of Chicago contributed for all the goals and it translated into a tied game going into the third.
Fans were on the edge of their seat for the final frame–a nail biter that could have gone either way. A bogus penalty on Todd Bertuzzi gave momentum to Chicago but Calgary stood tall.
13 minutes in after Calgary reasserted themselves on the forecheck managed to sustain enough pressure to get Sarich alone on the point firing a shot on goal. THe rebound bounced to Nystrom in the slot and he slid home his second of the season for the eventual game winner.
The goal was controversial as it appeared the Langkow handpassed the puck to Nystrom, yet, no whistle was blown. Jarome Iginla scored his second into an empty net as Calgary held the fort in the latter stage of the game.
No antics tonight, just tough hockey which had Calgary with the edge. If the Flames put in a similar effort they’ll take on in Chicago and potentially take the series in 6. But as of now, one game at a time…. GO FLAMES GO!
Notes: The series moves back to Chicago Saturday and is now a best of 3. Calgary only needs to win one on the road at this point. No word on Craig Conroy who left the game after the first period. Rene Bourque should be in for Saturday.
Big ups to David Moss for some huge hits tonight. Miikka Kirpsuoff was average screened on most goals.
The big thing is Calgary’s top line destroyed the top ilne of Chicago. -4 for Havlat and the top D men. Good job Jokinen. let’s hope they destroy, and i mean DESTROY in game 5.
Great game by Calgary, they should have had the game easier than they won it but a win is a win. As beat up and injured as we are, I’m proud the boys held in therd and got the win. Go Flames Go!!!
Props to Jokenin and Iggy and all the big hitters tonight, but most of my praise goes to Nystrom who once again proved he could play on any line. What an asset!
Skin. As in skin of their teeth. Flames cannot win this series if they keep blowing leads. As far as I am concerned to advance a team cannot win by just squeaking by. Or by a hair or whatever cliche you want to call it.
That said I still say GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!
This series is not for the fainthearted or those with high blood pressure!
Don’t be discouraged by pessimistic comments folks. The Flames put on their best performance and I cheer for them all the way. One game at at time, boys.
You can put it in the win column, and that’s all that really matters. Key guys stepped up when needed…and whoever mentioned Moss….good on you. He did some great dirty work out there. Nystrom…man, give the guys some mins and look at what he can do…energy and timely goals. Although it’s disappointing to see them blow a 3 goal lead, take note that they had the resliency to bounce back and dominate in the third….that was huge. Here’s hoping we get some good news on Lanks/Connie. We just need to go into Chicago and do exactly what we’ve been doing…and that’s working hard…so slacking. All the talk about how we couldn’t win back to back…and hadn’t beat Chicago all season….it’s gone. The next knock on us that we need to disprove….the illusive road win. GFG!!!!
My first thought in the game last night was a real contender would never let a team come back from 4 to 1, but after reflectrion, I guess there is such parity nowadays that these kind of games are possible.
In any case, if we can get a couple of guys back in for the Chicago game, I think those young guys will have a tough time beating us now.
Go Flames Go!