Ban Kerry Fraser From Calgary :P
It’s game’s like these that you think the NHL is fixed like other sports (NBA). A perfectly normal game (if you’re a Flames fan) went awry thanks to disastrous and weeeeaaak penalty calls. Couple that with the first period absence of Jarome Iginla, Oli Jokinen, and Dion Phaneuf, and you really had the makings of what could have been a painstaking hockey game.
Nonetheless, Calgary started out quick scoring two goals in the first four minutes. Langkow scored his second off a scramble in front. Then, Jarome sent a nice pass to Glencross who went 2v1 and passed to Conroy but instead it banked in the net.
The Flames then got some powerplay time with a 5v3. The league’s number two pp barely got a shot off, but Columbus was the team to hit the scoresheet. Dion Phaneuf on the 5v3 PP, after Daymond Langkow couldn’t figure out a 3 on 1, while taking a LONG powerplay shift (yet again), and was caught out of position on a FIVE ON THREE, let Nash break in on a short handed breakaway to scores.
Jay Bouwmeester was credited with his first goals as a Flames during some 4v4 action 11 minutes into the first.
At the end of the first and the start of the second period the diving Columbus Blue Jackets and the whistle happy Kerry Fraser and company started sending Flames’ players to the box en masse. Four straight penalties against Calgary including a 5v3 gave Columbus not one, but two goals to tie the game.
The thing with Phaneuf, he sucks on D, but he then turns around and goes coast to coast giving the Flames a 4-3 lead. You love him and hate him all at the same time.
Not to be outdone and feeling alone, the refs started the monster parade to the box again calling three straight penalties giving Columbus yet another 5v3 opportunity to start the third.
The Flames killed the penalty off and the teams played cat and mouse with Calgary maintaining the majority of zone play. Jarome Iginla, on ice for three goals but was mostly a non factor again. Playing with two third line grinders doesn’t help. He lost many on ice battles but seemed to find his game in spots. He scored the fifth goal and it was a beauty which makes you breathe a sigh of relief about the captain.
It was another night of firsts, this time, Fredrick Sjostrom collected his first goal as a Flame after breaking down alone thanks to a Robyn Regehr pass and drew a penalty. Many people figured the play would be over including goalie Mason but Sjostrom spun around and gave the Flames a three goal cushion.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7D1Ub_XUuc]
To tack on the win at the end Giordano accepted a challenge (another stupid fight after a good hit) from Dorsett and promptly beat his arse. Another home win for the Flames. Gotta get Jokinen going and consistency with Iginla and we’ll be OK.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGRmuMtmWbI]
Notes: Next up, Edmonton Saturday.
One thing you don’t hear about is Kipper. He’s started well this season and made timley saves to keep the FLames in it.
Yes, I watched Iggy real close tonight, and I would definitly say he is BACK!
I really think the NHL has to look at giving a serious penalty out to instigators who take umbridge with a CLEAN HIT!
We fans enjoy seeing that part of the game and if it’s clean let the turkey who makes a big deal of it go for a long rest on the bench.
Great 2 periods from Calgary. In their derfense, the terrible calls by the refs made it very tough for them to get anything going in that second period but kudos to them for sticking to the game plan and taking it to the BJ’s in the third. Bit by bit I see this team coming around and the nice thing is we are winning most game despite not playing as well as we all know they can. They should be a very good team once everything falls into place. GO FLAMES GO!!!
Great start with a great finish and that’s what we like about the Flames. Congratulations to the Captain for the assists and a goal! Hats off to the team for their great contribution with an ouchy ouch on the penalties. It was a bit scary when the Jackets tied the game at 3 but a great third period effort from all the Flames kept them ahead. Keep on Flaming boys!
As a die hard Flames fan, I want to cheer the Flames for their great game tonight, even after giving up two power play and one short handed goals. For this reason, I think that Discipline is a major factor to keep in mind. It is a weakness that the opponents are aware of and take advantage to instigate the Flames…Anyways, I think that the Flames really need to get cracking on their power plays. They got the opportunities tonight and although they won the game, it is unfortunate that they could not score on the power play to enhance their pp statistics.
Olli, we need you on the score board too,
Sjostrom’s goal: A thing of beauty!! Onwards and upwards!