If the Heritage Classic on Feb. 20th is anything like this game then we’re in for a great show–and a Flames win. Calgary needs to play .700 hockey these days to ‘make the playoffs’ so that means squandered chances and ‘almosts’ really mean nothing.

Tonight they ‘almost’ or ‘should have had it’ in the bag. I don’t say this too often, but the Flames deserved this one.

Here are the unofficial stats from me: 3 posts in the first period, 4 total (or more); 2 goals off a defenceman.

Credit the Flames for coming back from a 0-4 deficit and taking at least a point.


Miikka Kiprusoff was pulled in the second, the second time in 3 outings for him, after giving up 4 goals.

People might throw him on the bus, but get this: in the last 3 games he’s played he’s let in FIVE goals that went off defencemen.

Don Cherry should be pissed. D men in the way, or more often, put their sticks in the shooting lane, have caused FIVE goals, two tonight.

If anything this affects his confidence, but you can’t keep him accountable.

ON the offensive side, the second line with Bourque, Jokinen, Kotalik, did most of the scoring. In this light, the team needs way more from the top line (Morrison is the answer? no….) and in the least better defensive coverage from the third line who went -3 on the evening.

Calgary can be happy with the point, but these days one point isn’t good enough. Let’s hope it compels them to get even better, although nowadays it’s probably too late.

Notes: Robyn Regehr back in the lineup after missing two. Mikkelson was dropped out. Minnesota on Wednesday, another must win (Flames haven’t beaten them all season).