Returning home for one game from a two game road-trip before heading back out for a season high six game road trip, the Calgary Flames were looking to do something they’ve been collecting on the road–a win. Their fortunes would turn in favour of two points but it didn’t come easily.
Calgary faced an energized and improved Coyotes team compared to years past. When you expect a 6-0 blowout, in actuality you got a pretty interesting game. The first period ended 0-0 but saw Phoenix take it to the Flames for most of the frame.
In the second Calgary found their legs and finally recorded the game’s first goal finally capitalizing on one of their numerous chances thanks to a Nystrom forced giveaway. Daymond Langkow one-timed the puck to give the home team the lead.
Phoenix stayed in it relying some timely saves from their netminder and capitalizing on a third period powerplay chance. With the game tied Calgary poured on the pressure and the second line with Moss taking the spot of Bourque cashed in for the second goal of the game thanks to a nice behind the back pass from behind the net. Moss to Dawes for his 5th of the year and the eventual game winner.
Notes: No points for the top line as they search for a steady LW to play on the line (maybe Bourque?) Kipper in net when some thought McElhinney should have been given the nod. Next game Friday in Detroit.
Great to see the Flames win at home. It was sad that they could not perform very well offensively with a 40 shots on goal performance. Also it was discouraging to see them give up a power play goal – they really need to work on penalty killing and scoring on power plays. But, wishing them good luck on the road again.
Keep it up, Flames.
Oops, I almost forgot to appreciate the goal scorers and helpers in last night’s game.
To Langkow and Dawes, thanks for connecting to the net
To Glencross, Nystrom and Moss, thanks for initiating excellent plays – my aoologies if I have missed anyone….
To Kiprusoff thanks for allowing only one goal
To all the players – thanks for the home win!!
Good luck in Detroit. We need good strategies to score on power plays and effective penalty killing.