The Flames must run the tables now. The inconsistent team can eek their way into playoff existence but it’s not going to be easy. They have to beat teams below them in the standings. Would’ve helped to beat Minnesota, which they didn’t, and tonight against Anaheim….

Calgary spent the first period chasing the puck around the ice. Luckily they got a lucky goal off Nigel Dawes’ body on the PP to boot. But the Flames need more than lucky goals, although they’ll take each one. In comes Nick Hagman.


Not for the lack of trying, Hagman has 1 goal in 13 games. The LW addition from the Phaneuf trade needs to put up more points, particularly goals. I suppose that’s the name of the game for the entire forward ranks, but it would be nice to see Hagman score more. He DID find the back of the net off a nice Iginla feed in the third to give the Flames some insurance.

Hagman replaced Bourque (who scored in the second off a Corey Perry giveaway) on the top line and made the most of his opportunities every single shift. I like his work ethic and hopefully his hunger is contagious as Calgary heads out East for a brief road-trip. They literally need to go perfect, which will be hard with Boston and Washinton on tap.

But was can still hope.

Notes: Another Sutter on the ice tonight, first game of this season (against the Ducks again). Brett Sutter contributed with a fight two minutes in.