The Calgary Flames currently site at the VERY bottom of the Western Division (but after this game they may be slightly higher than the Oilers). You’d think that this team is rebuilding, underpaid, or full of rookies….
Well that’s not the case. The Flames have exceeded cap, they are one of the oldest team in the NHL, and they have zero rookies. Why the suck? Who knows.
Part of being a good team, maybe even a playoff team, is the ability to play for 60 straight minutes.
Calgary had a stellar first period against the visiting Tampa Bay Lighting (tell me again why Florida has TWO teams?) The Flames went up 2-0 in the first, and then 3-0 early in the second. But then the wheels fell off the truck.
The problems seem to surround the PP. The team looks TERRIBLE. There’s no word to describe this clubs PP. They’ve never been particularly good, and I don’t know why they don’t get a ‘specialist’ to help with ‘special teams’, but my god tonight was bad.
The PP actually gave Tampa the momentum and opportunities, BOTH powerplays. Unacceptable, but then again, everything about this team is unacceptable.
The FLames let the Bolts drag themselves back into the game in the second which set up a third period where Calgary clawed back into the fight.
Tampa should have tied it in the early seconds of the third but Kipper somehow came up large.
5v5 the Flames where fine, but with one man advantage they are lost. On a 5v3 PP Iginla netted his 12th–the only way the team can capitalize is down two!
From there the two goal lead stuck. Cudos to the defence who kept the Lighting threats of St. Louis and Stamkos pointless. Should also be noted that Iginla was used in the last minute as a centerman to protect the lead. Nice to see he’s taking some responsibilities there.
Notes: David Moss was the odd man out who was replaced by Backlund. adam pardy jumped back into the lineup after two months out with a shoulder injury. He assisted on Cory Sarich’s first period goal.
Next up LA in LA.
The bottom line? Flames get the two points at home and Rene rocks!
Yes, it was sad that the home team gave up a 3-0 lead, but concurrently, they were able to hang on to the two goal lead towards the end and that is noteworthy – thanks to Mikka’s magnificient saves.
On an optimistic closing note, it was great to see Sarich and Kostopoulos put the Lightening down by two goals while Iginla continues to inspire his team with the power play goal- great going boys and keep it up!