The Calgary Flames played at home vs the Los Angelas Kings after the teams clashed in LA last week. The Kings won that contest, tonight, Calgary turned the tables. The good news was the Flames showed up in grand style with a robust form of hockey that saw bodies fly for two periods. The bad news is the top line is non-existent and the team dropped into a defensive shell in the third almost throwing the game in the process.
The usual suspects had their game, Miikka was stopping it all and almost took another shut-out if it wasn’t for a defensive breakdown late in the third period. The usual suspects also were also putting around the ice.
I’m talking Dion Phaneuf, who opened the scoring with 1 second left in the first period, his first in 20 games (6.5 million for one goal every 20 games!) He also enjoys playing defence with one hand and losing all down low puck battles (and I mean ALL, even if he’s first in the corner he’ll slow up and turnover the puck).
Jarome Iginla and Oli Jokinen continue to struggle mightily. The chemistry between the two is incomplete without a bonafide LW to complete the line, but the coaches insist on a revolving carousel of players in that position. Certainly doesn’t help continuity, but I think we’re past the excuses on the LW. The fact is both are slumping and both are back to their October form which is detrimental to the success of the hockey club.
There are still problems with smart work ethic on the team. Others have picked up their game, Mark Giordano was hot tonight slamming bodies all game, but the ENTIRE team needs to be clicking in order for this team to hit the next level.
What are your thoughts? Do you think the team has hit its prime? Whos’ playing up to snuff and who’s lagging behind?
Notes: Nigel Dawes with the GWG and his 10th of the season.
There were lots of positive things…
1. The Flames dethrone the Kings
2. They scored on the man advantage (three games in a row). No bad for starters
3. They got the much needed win and two points on home ice…Way to go boys!
It would have been awesome for Kiprusoff to have had a shut out but Jay Boumeester penalty towards the end gave the Kings the opportunity to empty the net and put their offensive foot forward…. that could have tied the game…but thanks to the team effort for sticking by and hanging on..
Compliments to Dion Phaneuf and Nigel Dawes for connecting and to the rest of the team for your hard work…..Keep on rocking Flames..
I’m more with the, “what the hell have you done for me lately Nueff?” Scoring1 goal in 20 games and giving up 20 in less than that does not cut it!!!
A trade of Phanueff for a sniper or maybe even two would transform this team.
The Flames, except for our top line, looked like they were ready to show why other teams don’t want to play us because of the assault that was laid on the LA players.
What a joy to watch for two periods, especially Giardano. If the team played like that every night we could be sitting back watching them drink from Lord Stanley at the end of the year.
Overall not a bad game. I’m not going to start planning the parade just yet. They still seem like they don’t understand how to play a full 60 mins. Don’t get me wrong, I love that they won and played great for 2 periods, but I’m really worried about them not playing the complete game.
Giordano though was awesome and played the best game I have seen him in to date. I hope he can keep going like that and bring even more depth to the blue line.
As far as Phaneuf is concerned, I’m not willing to give up on him just yet. He is still very young with a ton of upside, I’m hoping Sutters influence will pay off in the end.
Well said, Flaming Moe. The Flames really need to put in a 60 minute effort in every way – shots on goals against, shots on goals, powerplay and penalty killing. Of course, the team has definitely improved by trying to score at least one goal on man advantage and have limited the opponents chances to score on pp. But they really need to control the shots on Kiprusoff. In all honesty, tight forechecking is a must and a big issue – all five players on ice have to make an effort to help Kipper. That is one drastic change that is essential. Alternatively, they really need to crash, bang and hit in the offensive zone….
Giordano has been playing exceptionally well and works very hard. I am in total agreement with you about Phaneuf. It is also my aspiration that Sutter’s influence will pay off in the end. Thank you for your insights, Flaming Moe. The Flames better start praticing their playoff style hockey!
Go Flames Go!!..