McGrattan with Gordie Howe Hat Trick
The Flames came into Saturday night’s tilt looking to stop the bleeding from a three game losing streak. The Canucks on the other hand sought to extend their winning streak to three. Calgary remembers the opening game when the Flames took it to the visitor’s in a big way winning that game 5-3. In fact, Calgary is undefeated against NW division teams which bodes well for the standings.
Tonight the teams started off tentatively and didn’t get the ball rolling until a pair of fights broke out two minutes in at the same time. Brian McGrattan TKO Hordichuk, Prust and Glass tangled for a draw.
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Calgary had an early powerplay but didn’t capitalize. In fact, it was the penalty kill that got the scoring going. The first short-handed goal of the season came courtesy of a breakaway top shelf goal from Curtis Glencross. Another chink in a the armour of Luongo.
The Vancouver goalie was up to his usual antics acting hurt after taking a hockey puck to the shoulder (once a game folks), and also the Canuck fans screaming ‘Loooooooou’ every time the goal post made a save (three times tonight).
The PP did click in the first period with Nigel Dawes making another nice tip to get his second goal of the season.
The second period saw all four lines establish the offensive zone pressure which was capped by the second line who combined to give DIon Phaneuf his fourth of the season and the Flames a 3-0 lead. Things were looking up, and it was time for the fourth line to catch fire.
In a span of two minutes the likes of Mcgrattan, Prust, Boyd, combined for six points (two each). First, McGrattan denied another challenge from Hordichuk, raced down the ice, fired a shot on net and Boyd tipped it in. The next time on the ice McGrattan broke down the wing, beating Hordichuk to the net and getting his first goal as a Flame.
Two minutes left another fight broke out, the stupid variety. Brandon Prust made a clean hit on Mitchell but Rick Rypien took exception. Fights after clean big hits should be given instigator penalties period. Remember when Rene Bourque got 19 minute sof penalties last year for doing the same? Well five minutes each for fighting this year.
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the Flames went into the third period up 5-0, where they’ve been before and lost, but this time was different, or so the fans though.
Rypien made it 5-1 early in the third, but in a series of a minute and a half Vancouver got 2 goals with 2 minutes left. 5-3 going into a tense two minutes, but thankfully Alex Burrows made a stupid play and got a goalie interference penalty which capped the night at 5-3.
Notes: The top two lines had no points. That means Jokinen and iginla’s line (they played separately) had no contribution. Secondary scoring capped the night, but again, the top players haven’t found their game which is disturbing.
Luongo was chased from the crease and didn’t play the third. David Moss still out with an injury.
The Flames win and get the two points – Thankfully, they stood up save for the two penalties that were drawn against them that provided the Canucks the opportunity to capitalize. In all honesty, there should have been more fire power and shots on goals in the third, which means that the Flames really need to keep pushing for 60 minutes of play, work harder in the offensive zone and maintain discipline – they gave up two power play goals.
Overall, the Flames played exceptionally well in the first two periods, but their performance in the third lacked momentum, taking into consideration that the Canucks were minus D. Sedin and S. Salo, players who could have made the difference in the score.
Get well soon, Moss!!
If you don’t like the roller coaster then you won’t like Calgary’s weather or hockey. Let’s hope this is an upward trend.
Hi Cindy,
No offence meant. Just being honest, that’s all.
The Flames welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday the 20th.
So far home games have been fruitful and hope the fans can witness the best of the west.
Good luck and Go Flames Go!!!
Great game by Calgary on Friday, almost a full game played from them for once this year. They still need to learn as anar said to play the full 60 mins and try not letting teams get back into the game. We seem to be getting better at this. I am seeing more postives from the last game. Let’s hope they keep on improving. GO FLAMES GO!!
Thank you for your positive comments, Flaming Moe. I couldn’t agree with you more that the Flames played a great game on Friday, but seemed a little slack in the final 20 minutes of play. Overall, there are lots of positive moves particularly from the offensive perspective and I admire their power play efforts. Like you, I cheer for the Flames all the way, “Go Flames Go:.