If the Calgary Flames have any chance to even make the playoffs then they need the big names to step up. Jarome Iginla would be THE big name that needs to do more for the Flames–namely put the puck in the net.

Last Sunday Iginla was instrumental in putting Canada on top of the world, this Sunday he would contribute in a big way to put the Flames on top. Calgary should play their games all on Sunday if Iginla conitnues the pace he put on this afternoon: 3 goals, 1 assist, and even some rare defensive outbursts.


Minnesota has beaten Calgary in the first four meetings this year so the Flames were looking for redemption.

20 seconds in Steve Staois picked up his first point with the Flames shooting a puck on net that Rene Bourque tipped in. The new top line with Stajan, Bourque, and Iginla combined for 10 points in the afternoon.

Two minutes later Jarome Iginla broke up a sure goal and broke up ice feeding Mark Giordano for his 11th of the season, 2-0 Flames.

New in goal was a lanky, shorter Finnish netminder…not Miikka Kiprusoff, but Vesa Toskola fresh off his Toronto –> Anaheim –> Calgary journey. Toskola played a solid game and didn’t look out of place. Hopefully he gives the team a few more points down the stretch run where Calgary will play virtually every other day.

The two points give the Flames a chance to keep step with the Detroit Red Wings who are one point ahead of Calgary. The good news is we play Detroit twice, one in two days. The bad news is Red Wings are one of the hotter teams in the NHL so it will shape up to be a great battle.

Notes: Jarome Iginla has 30 goals on the season. One Flame who needs to do more STILL is Jay Bouwmeester. Rene Bourque with a four point afternoon, a career high.

Playoff Tracker: Flames need to win at least 13 of their last 17 to make the playoffs….