The Calgary Flames pre-season opened for the 2009-2010 season at home against the provincial rivals. Although the game means little, and it’s only pre-season, it’s still our first post-game of the year, and an indicator that the regular season is only a couple of weeks away.
Not very much to report on this game which was streamed online for your viewing pleasure. Calgary fielded what was essentially their minor league team less a few NHLers like Lundmark, Boyd, Moss, Pardy, and Nystrom. Apart from that Calgary showcased a squad that was pretty much four lines of checking lines.
Edmonton on the other hand, dressed a contingent of vets and rookies which was evident at times when the Oilers hemmed Calgary deep. Matt Keetley started the game for Calgary and let in two goals in 1.5 periods of work. Leland Irving took over mid-way through and was less busy between the pipes.
In front, Calgary had a number of powerplay opportunities but couldn’t capitalize. After their seventh PP opportunity expired Jason Jaffray found himself on a partial break down the wing and wired one short side.
I wasn’t watching that closely, but there were no notable Flames standouts despite some jobs on the line. People are interested whether the likes of Dawes, Lundmark, Jaffray, or even Greentree would emerge from the logjam of potential minor league suitors, but the first pre-season game didn’t produce any exciting revelations.
Or at least nothing like the return of number 14 who may hit the ice in Saskatoon….
