Well that was mostly unnecessary…. After Deadmonton fans realised their fortunes this season may not even translate into a playoff spot (let’s face it, still not a good team), they came into Calgary to face the Flames for the third time in the first month of the new season.
The Battle of Alberta part 3 took place in Calgary and the Flames continued their hot streak mostly relying on the hand of Rene Bourque. Tonite, Bourque took a night off and in his place Brendan Morrison emerged with a fantastic two goal performance.
Special teams also played a significant roll going 4-2 on the night. Even Jay Bouwmeester got into the scoring for his first (of what we expect is going to be two) goal this season.
But the real story was the relentless puck pursuit by the Flames through 40 minutes, and Morrison’s two goal performance.
But things took a minor detour right at the end of the second period when Jordan Eberle made a weak backhand shot from almost the goal-line and scored on Kiprusoff (who turned 34 today).
Not to worry, still a two goal lead.
But for some reason the Flames started to take unnecessary chances. There wasn’t so much a lack of effort as defencemen taking risky jumps into the play and getting caught. The Oilers quickly took momentum and tied the game much to the shock of the home town crowd and the new Oilers faithful unashamed to crawl out from their 10 year old hiding places.
Kipper’s weak goal and defensive lapses, coupled with a coupled screened goals gave the Oilers life. The Flames gave the Oilers life and chance for two points in OT.
The shoot out was required and you had the sense that Kipper was going to redeem himself, after all, it was his birthday….
Facing tough shooters like Eberle and Hemsky, Kipper stopped all three shots he faced and capped the ‘W’ and two points for the home squad.
Jarome Iginla Watch
The ‘Where in the World’ is Jarome Iginla continues. The captain had no goals, no assists, six shots mind you, but a minus two rating. Right now Iginla is still playing the majority of his game on the perimeter….a lonely place where you don’t tend to score many goals.
Notes: Steve Staios drew back into the line up and had two penalties. 3 Fights in tonight’s game, videos coming up tomorrow.
Pictures courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/catchesthelight/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/24151087@N00/
Conspicuously, it was not what the fans had anticipated after a 4-1 lead, but the Battle of Alberta was won again, courtesy of Mikka’s superb saves in the shoot out and Tanguay’s terrific stealer. Alas, the third period was not the greatest for the Flames, but with the discrepancies aside, the home team got the two points, two power play goals and a shorthanded tally. Morrison stole the magnificient from Mikka while Glencross and Bouwmeester hit the net right on target.
Of note, it was not the best night for everyone, but the two points is what counts!!! Go Flames Go! Happy Birthday Mikka!