The Calgary Flames embarked on a three game road trip starting tonight in Montreal. It’s always fun to watch a game when to rival Canadian teams square off, and tonight was no exception. Playing without the suspended Curtis Glencross, the Flames were quick to establish their zone pressure. At one point early on the Flames were leading the shot clock 9-1, a far cry from the usual 1-9.
Bodies started to fly as both teams tried to take an edge in the physical game. Lead by Dion Phaneuf, who came into his body busting form tonight and flattened Montreal players one after who were trying to forecheck, the Flames had the edge in the hits category with everyone getting involved.
You had the sense that the team is coming into form one by one adopting the Sutter system. Continuous forechecking, some pretty plays, and mostly solid defence were the name of the game. OVerall I felt Calgary played almost ac omplete game less some defensive lapses.
When that occurred Miikka Kiprusoff came up huge making some amazing stops on road to collect his 200th win as a Flames and the shut out.
On the other hand, Jarome Iginla scored the only goal and extended his goal scoring to five games. Calgary had the share of chances, more shots, more hits, and pretty much lead every facet of the game. You can’t really say the same for the PP which went 0 for 6, but hey, can’t have t hem all can you?
Notes: Next up Buffalo Friday.
finally Kiprusoff gets his bagel! And the Flames score a decent # of shots! Onwards and upwards!
I was truly impressed with the teams effort tonight. Hard working, tenacious and hitting as if the Montreal players were practice dummies.
I worry about our PowerPlay tho’… seems like too much shooting and not enough creativity, but maybe those are coaches orders.
I think this is going to be a good year for us Flames Fans, mostly because Sutter will demand that kind of performance every night, now that the boys have proved they are capable of it.
Oops, sorry folks, I missed the game on Tuesday. However, after hearing the score, I was impressed that Kiprusoff gets his shut out!. Awesome goaltending, Kipper!.
Agreed that the Flames missed their opportunities on men advantages, but on an optimistic note, the two points are all that count, and everything will fall into place as they advance.
Keep it up, Flames and congratulations to the Captain.. Keep the Flame burning boys and good luck in Buffalo!.
Go Flames Go and thanks coach for your excellence!
This game quite impressed me. They seem to be finally playing Sutter’s style of hockey he wants them playing. Keeping the shots down, and playing well in their own zone. Our goal production has gone down quite a bit since the start of the season but I think you can attribute this to sticking with the game plan. I’m hoping things only get better. GO FLAMES GO!!!
I agree with you Flaming Moe. I like the way Flames are playing right now because they are demonstrating consistency and resilience. Although I worry about their shots on goal, I feel comfortable watching them play. You are right about their goal production, but at the same time they have strengthened their defense. I think things will defintely get better as the season moves on. Go Flames Go!!