Calgary 3 – Minnesota 1

In 20 years the story will be top shelf breakaway in overtime. In reality Jarome Iginla’s 500th goal was careened off of two skates and in. Luckily after scoring 500 he wont be remembered for this particular goal, but all of the memories from goals prior. The face of the franchise (rumored to be on the trading block after his 500 goals, I think those are false) delighted the home town crowd with his 3rd period marker that eventually stood up as the game winner.

THe Flames were coming off of their 9-0 beatdown in Beantown with 8 regulars out of the lineup. Nobody really had the Flames pegged to win tonight’s game; most have written off the entire season. Neither are bad predictions; and one is definitely untrue.


The Flames continued their dominance over divisional rivals Minnesota. Their win puts them four points out of a playoff spot (going in the wrong direction mind you, with other teams having games in hand). More importantly, it gave them a bit of confidence in a fragile time of the season.

The milestones for the squad didn’t stop or even start with Iginla.

The game began with a silver stick ceremony celebrating Olli Jokinen’s 1000th NHL appearances that he achieved earlier in the week. Later in the third period Calgary’s first goal was scored by Lance Bouma–his first in his NHL career. Iginla then potted his 500th. With the win the Flames also gave coach Sutter his 100th win.

There’s enough positives to propel the Flames forward, and who knows, if a few of their 8 players on injured reserve comeback soon enough, the team might still contend…..although right now that looks like a long shot. But let’s spend a moment in today’s celebration, that being Jarome. Class player who deserves all the accolades for his achievement.

Cheers Jarome.