After an embarrassing blowout to start the NHL season, Calgary looked to rebound in their home opener against an LA team fresh off a win last night against Vancouver. Things didn’t get off to a good start for the Flames. On Adam Pardy’s first shift he threw his shoulder out trying to deliver a check. On Rene Bourque’s second shift he was blind-sided and hit in the head. Both let the game and didn’t return.
That brings the total tally of injured forwards to Stajan (2nd line C), now Bourque (2nd line LW), Kotalik (2nd line RW), Moss (3rd line C), and Langkow (C). The only good thing about the Pardy loss is one of the vets Cory Sarich or Steve Staios will finally get into the lineup.
Despite losing their entire second line and half of their third, the Flames still battled hard. Thanks to the pluggers Calgary was able to pull out a victory.
The top two lines have been completely absent from the scoring sheet. Unlikely heroes stepped up to the plate in their stead. In the second Curtis Glencross took a nice feed on the penalty kill and scored short-handed.
The fourth line chipped in with Craig Conroy scoring his 1st goal (and maybe last?) minutes later to give the team a 2-0 edge. Yes, that’s Craig Conroy who was capable enough to hit the net with a short from the slot. Not something the top line can boast.
The only good thing about the topline is it appeared they were finding their form as the game progressed. Minus a whiff on an open net (Jokinen), two broken sticks (Tanguay), the top line appears to be coming into form. Even captain Iginla is dangling which we’re not used to seeing (Iginla). Hopefully they find their form when we play Edmonton again Saturday.
Miikka Kiprusoff was his usual brilliant self keeping the team in the game making huge stops in the first period.
After watching the Montreal game yesterday I have to lament about how boring portions of Calgary’s play are. Sometimes it looks like everything is going in slow mo.
Notes: Next up Carolina Thursday.
It was a way better start and a treat for the Calgary Flames’ fans who were present; Obviously, there were a lot of positives in last night’s game.
1. The shorthanded goal scored by Glencross
2. The power play and empty netter scored by Hagman
3. The five on five scored by Conroy – Way to go Craig!
Of note, the shots on goal demonstrated the team’s offensive efforts. But, alas the accumulating injury list is not one that any fan would cherish. Hopefully, the injured Flames will be back in form before time runs out!!! Get well soon, boys. We wish you a speedy recovery.
Great going, Flames and keep it up!!!