Not even ten games into the regular season the Calgary Flames lined up against their provincial rivals for the third time, only this time on home ice. Both teams came into the game with exact same record, 6-2-1, Edmonton’s two losses courtesy of the Flames. One team would walk away with second place in the NW division tonight, and Calgary with a win could lead the season series by 3-0.
The crashing and banging got off to a quick start. Jarome Iginla took a seat in the box for ‘goalie interference’. The traffic in front that started early in the game likely contributed to the overall success of the Flames over Khabibulin who appears to have lost his ‘magic’ over the Flames. Edmonton scored on their PP.
One thing I hope leaves the game is the unnecessary stoppage to watch two goons beat the junk out of each other. I prefer some heat, some exchange, some passion, but when Macintyre and McGrattan only take one shift, and that one shift is to beat each other up, which McGrattan took the edge, then I don’t see the point. OK for fans but sort of pointless for the game.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfIpOXxZV8k]
Nonetheless is seemed to wake the Flames up as they went on to score four unanswered goals from the first to the second. The second line contributed the bulk of the scoring lead by the leading point getter so far–Rene Bourque.
Bourque got things going on another Edmonton PP scoring the second SH goal this season off a pretty 2v1 with Langkow. Nigel Dawes scored his 3rd of the season in the second, then one minute later the fourth line contributed. The Flames PP chimed in with a David Moss tip in; he’s back after a 4 game absence.
After the Flames fourth goal the penalty parade began with 36 minutes of penalties called in 8 minutes of play. Edmonton managed to score one on their powerplays, but Calgary’s PK stood up tall, also thanks to some posts.
Nigel Dawes contributed his second goal of the game giving Calgary the three goal cushion with seven minutes to play. Edmonton seemed to loose their wheels losing one-on-one battles at Calgary maintained most of the zone pressure.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUpN4plfwQs]
“Oilers suck,” chants started creeping in around the 15 minute mark of the third period. Thankfully the cheers replaced the “bull$hit” cheers that resonated throughout the Dome after a slew of penalty calls against the Flames, most hard to miss, but some preeeetty weak.
Another win for our Flames, but noted absent were once again Jarome Iginla and Oli Jokinen (where is this dude folks?). When are these guys going to wake up? Put them back together because lately the scoring has been done by the second and fourth lines.
For once Calgary outshot their opponents 37-25…..keep up that work! Edmonton was missing some players but a good win. Langkow is back, now we need Jokinen to start earning his 5.5 million.
Great game overall by Calgary!! For once I felt they played a full 60 mins game and it feels great. It is always awesome to throw it in the opponents face after all the slack us poor Flames fans endure from the opposition fans. LOL! GO FLAMES GO!!!!
Awesome 60 minute performance from the Flames – it was just wonderful to watch how the the Flames stuck with the puck all through. Congratulations to Nigel Dawes for scoring twice, Rene Bourque for his short handed effort, and Mikka Kiprusoff for making tremendous saves!. Of course, Eric Nystrom and David Moss can hardly be forgotten. Excellent team work, boys!!
It was great to see the Flames coming out strong on two power play efforts and welcome back Moss!
I agree with Barry on one thing though – weak penalty calls against the Flames. Did anyone see the Oilers play a clean game????
Great team effort, but I agree about the weak calls. Reffing this year is starting to look like the CFL reffing.
How the hell can Calgary in one game be called for goalie interference because the player was in the blue paint, but Edsucton gets a goal by crashing the net?
We also saw in a game that our goals weren’t allowed because our player had his toe or pinky finger over the crease, not even touching the goalie.
Oh well, it looks like our team will be able to overcome even bad reffing and should do better in the run to the cup this year.
I am in total agreement with you, Del. I was so upset by the call on Iginla, particularly after Edmonton scored. However, thankfully, the Flames maintained their compsure and I appreciate the short handed goal that Rene scored, which provided the needed momentum. Also I feel that the two men disadvantage at the end of the second (which the Flames killed) was a big boost. What makes me extremely happy is the fact that both the Stampeders and the Flames had a blast over their Alberten counterparts this weekend.
Like you, I have observed opponents crashing the net on Kiprusoff and yet a penalty has never been called, and I could not believe that the Oiler goal was allowed… Letting bygones be bygones, I am hoping that the team with their current trend will persevere and who knows…. the best is yet to come. Good luck Flames!!!……
As always, I am wishing the best for them.. BELIEVE AND IT HAPPENS