Calgary entered Toronto around 3:30 AM for the last game of their brief three game road swing out East. In fact, both teams were coming off back to back nights but only one team seemed to have energy. That would be the NHL’s second worst hockey team–the Toronto Maple Leafs.
For the Flames, all the fireworks happened in the first three minutes. First two goals, one by Nystrom and one by Iginla put the Flames up by 2. Two quick fights, with Toronto getting the edge, seemed to swing momentum Toronto’s way where they never really let up for the remainder of the game.
The times they did you had a quick phantom penalty on the visiting squad….you know the kind, the ones that make you think hockey is fixed by Norwegian bookies.
Calgary did have chances on the PP, but yet again, much like years past, the PP is absolutely lost. THe PK on the other hand has come out big for the past number of games, however tonight it was 2 for 3, Toronto scoring all their goals off of their PP.
Usually 5 v 5 Calgary will dominate play, and although they had sporadic chances to extend their lead, it was almost the team was surprised by the cocky Maple Leafs, who must be used to losing because they didn’t play a loser team throughout the contest. Shots after two periods 30-11 for Toronto.
The Flames were getting embarrassed which is a tough pill to swallow because their MO is supposed to be defence first. Supposed to be….
In the third Calgary probably heard the riot act for the second straight intermission from their bench boss. It started with double shifting Iginla who started playing the wing on the fourth line with Prust and Conroy.
Almost a carbon copy of the first goal, Iginla broke down 2 v 1 two minutes into the third to put the Flames back up by 2. The shots were more respectable in the third: Calgary 11 Tdot 10.
The PP finally clicked too, without Jokinen who was in the box for a fight with Beauchemin. That’s brave given even Iginla had a tough time handling him a couple seasons back. Jay Bow scored his second goal as a Flames on the PP to give the Flames a three goal lead which they kept till the end.
Big ups to Miikka Kiprusoff who was yet again on his A game facing 40 shots in the night. Making all the saves and controlling rebounds is all you expect, and tonight goaltending was the big difference. Calgary had it, Toronto did not.
Notes: Calgary back home Tuesday. Currently they have 3 games in hand over most teams in the West so each win extends their lead in the division.
Not a great game by Calgary at all. The score really flatters them in this one. Nice to get another victory on the road though, 5 points out of a possible 6 is very nice indeed. They really have to try to keep that shot total down, it seems to be one of their weak spots. Anyways, enough said, GO FLAMES GO!!!!
Giving up two pp goals was frustrating, but nice to see them score on the powerplay. Way to go, Iggy.
Hi Flaming Moe.
You may be right to an extent, but here are my views:
– strong expectations and obligations can have an overwhelming effect on a team. Should teams performs perfectly in every game, they would be exhausted by playoff time and their performance would be zero when fans expect the most. Ultimately, the consequences would dash the hopes of fans who are used to a perfect performance. “Slow and steady wins the race”
– I also believe that a repeated performance by the Flames night after night would provide the opponents an opportunity to learn their tactics and be prepared to combat them.
– it would also be boring for the fans to watch the same plays over and over again.
I agree that the score was really flattering and the road victory certainly increases their road statistics. Your concerns will fall in place as the season advances. Thanks for your support as always.
On a positive note, it is good to see that Iginla’s has once again started to inspire his team mates with his performance.
Great way to end the road trip and congratulations to Iginla, Nystrom, Boyd and Bouwmeester. It is a pity that the Flames are still low on shots, but expecting perfection from the team can become really exhausting. I bet the team is really trying to do their best. Welcome home, boys!
We were outshot, outhit, and lost all the fights. Why did we win the game?
Can we spell K I P P R U S O F F?
There is no way in hell or the nhl that the Flames can continue to succeed riding on the goalies shoulders.
Defence, Defence, Defence ???????????????????????????????????
I certainly agree with you, Del that Kiprusoff’s excellent net minding kept us in the game all night long and sometimes it is frustrating to see the Flames being outshot, outhit, and losing battles. However, the fact remains that the Flames won and got the two points. Now they will have to focus on the next game at home. It is also my conviction that depending on the goalie alone will not help the Flames win all the games – the team will have to put in their share effort in terms of shots on goals, aggressive forechecking and killing penalties. Once again, iI believe that it will all fall into place as the season advances, so let’s hope for the best – it is yet to come. At least they improved their scoreboard statistics – slow and steady wins the race.
Yes, of course, defence, determination and discipline will be the keys to all future games. Keep your fingers crossed, Del.
You make a great point anar. I tend to be hard on our Flames and somtimes forget they are only human. They are playing very well and look like they will be a great playoff team. GO FLAMES GO!!!
I can’t believe you are all saying how well Calgary has played. They have an edge over all other teams in the NHL because of the h1n1 shots. Pathetic they need that extra help. Steroids next or worse?
Oh go away Thelma. This forum is for Flames Fans. Take your complaint to the proper authorities.
Hi Thelma,
It is my conviction that you dislike the Calgary Flames Hockey Team, however, I would appreciate if you can keep your negative thoughts to yourself and address the appropriate authorities.
Wow, you know Thelma. If you had any credible points to make about the game of hockey and the Flames you would be welcomed here. All you like to do is make stupid comments that have nothing to do with the game. Please take your trolling elsewhere. Wow…
I don’t care what you say Del, Flaming Moe and anar, I have the right to vent my frustrations about the Calgary Shames anyway I see fit. That’s what these forums are for, if you don’t like it don’t read my posts. I know all the poor parents of the children that have died because of your teams selfish acts would sure rant a lot more than I do. What’s the matter, guilty complexes?
Why in heavens name would you think we would have guilty complexes. We may be as upset as you about the vaccinations, but I have let my feelings known to the organization itself.
What in God’s green earth makes you think that any of us on this forum are in any way responsible for what happened?
You are simply being foolish and should be banned from this site!
Point of order. Although you own your comments I have the right to remove any and all comments that don’t suit this web site. Keep it clean and on topic please.
Im just a lady that cares more for people than I do hockey. I’m very surprised that I’m getting threatened with getting censored for speaking the truth. Shows how narrow minded and small Flames are.
Thelma
Please don’t imply that the posters on this Forum don’t have any feelings for others. You have absolutley no knowledge of how we feel.
Who are you trying to convince Thelma? We are just fans. We have no authority over anybody. We don’t make any Flames decisions. We don’t have any say in anything the Flames Organization does. As much as some of us would like to.
Most of us are Calgarians. It would be impossible for us to start cheering for another team. You are agravating the wrong people.
My point is you are accomplishing nothing of value here. If you are really serious about doing something worthwhile, go where your ranting make might make a difference. It does nothing here.
Hi Thelma,
I appreciate your caring attitude towards human beings in general and I think your opinions will be much appreciated in the social service agency. There are so many cases of rapes and murders. Perhaps you should turn your focus where help is needed and forget posting your comments where they are not needed or requested.
It really seems that you have nothing to do than waste your time insulting our players. So why don’t you do something that will be beneficial to you as well as society in general. Perhaps help the police find the killers and look for missing children?