On the second half of their 6 game road-trip, Calgary is riding out a November hot streak into December. -20 in Calgary, +20 in Phoenix, and Calgary looking for their first win in December. One thing you can’t assume, other than warmer weather, is a weak Phoenix Coyotes team.
Phoenix traded all punches and pressure with the Flames as both teams couldn’t quite find a groove to give them the edge.
Opening the scoring first was Calgary with one second left in the first period thanks to David Moss’ tip in.
Hand it to the refs for attempting to ruin a good hockey game with two bogus ‘boarding’ calls. Maybe it’s a boarding call, but that stuff is rarely called for soft hits. Calls like that really change the complexion of an interesting back and forth game. It also lead to the Phoenix tying goal after a lengthy 5v3.
Maybe someone got a memo from the league to increase boarding calls?
Calgary could get nothing going in the third which is usually one of their better periods. The top line was defensively challenged (Iginla just watching rather than playing DEFENSE MAN!) and couldn’t generate scoring chances. The addition of Rene Bourque back into the lineup likely threw the hot handed Jokinen and Iginla for a loop.
Phoenix scored a late goal capitalizing on a quick transition. Give the Coyotes the edge on scoring chances on the evening, they also lead the shot tally but that’s nothing new for the ‘defensive minded’ Flames. First loss in regulation on the road since October 13th.
Notes: Kipper’s shutout streak ended at 159:10. Rene Bourque back into the line up, Jamie Lundmark back to the AHL.
They came real close in the dying seconds but couldn’t pull it off. Hopefully the Flames come out with some more pressure in SJ or they’ll get thumped.
I think Calgary was guilty of looking to the game in San Jose too much. Not enough energy and emotion tonight. Crank er up for Saturday boys and give us true fans a good show. GO FLAMES GO!!!
Just one loss shouldn’t raise a lot of concern. Look at Colorado, they are losing too. Besides, it is a long way to go still…..winning every game will be exhausting for the Flames particularly if the fans are used to their winning streaks. By playoff time they will not even be able to perform .
But, yes, the bogus 5 vs 3 penalty was something to pay attention to.
watching #3 play is the most frustrated thing of all, I think this guy is the most over-rated Flame, I would love to see him get trade.
He is overated only beacuse he gets paid 6 million to cause goals.
what i saw in the past is that he made a bad play that caused a goal or a game more than he scored a winning goal to win the game. for that kind of money you definately can get a lot of good d-men out there. i’m sure lots of fans will agree with me on that, we thought he’ll play a lot better this year under his former coach , but he let us down big time.