Another Hockey Night in Canada evening game which unfortunately meant another evening listening to bland Mark Kelly and ‘I only reiterate and state the obvious’ Kevin Weeks. Once you got past the eye rolling it was a pretty good game for Flames fans.
Calgary continues their dominance over an inferior Oilers squad taking 17 of the past 20 contests. I do’nt know if you can really take too much stock in this game (maybe Kipper should’ve had a rest?) but it was great to finally see some secondary scoring, and the Flames, despite the loss of Glencross, are only getting healthier.
Lee Stempniak lead the Flames with a +5 night and a hat-trick. The second line lead by Jokinen again finds ways to chalk up points. Backlund, Comeau and Bouwmeester also contributed goals.
When the FLames return from their largely successful road trip on Tuesday they’ll get a stiffer test vs. the SJ Sharks. Then we can start to wonder aloud whether Cammalleri, the 7 million dollar man, is working out, whether Backlund is a #1 C (not really right now), and where Tanguay will slot in when he returns.
In the meantime, as the Flames sit stagnant in 10th place, the team will relish this victory agains their provincial rivals and leave disappointed Edmonton fans behind.
Notes: Brendan Morrison back in the lineup, Roman Horak out. Expect Tanguay back in the lineup Tuesday. Taylor Hall returned to th elineup after taking a skate to the face.
Hats off to Stempaniak for stamping in on Oiler territory! Way to go Stempniak. Last night was a picture perfect performance as far as the Flames are concerned, as there was intensity throughout the sixty minute of play – almost a playoff performance. For the fans, it had been a “wing night party deep fried in Oil”. Congratulations, boys and thank you for your collaborative effort and hard work. Of noteworthy were the efforts of Comeau and Bouwmeester who had a goal and two assists, Ollie Jokinenen for chipping in as well as Backulund who contributed with one goal. Welcome back, Brendan!
Now, back to home to please your fans with an identical performance and a huge welcome back for the terrific Tanguay Go Flames Go…..
The “Flame broiled snack” was absolutely delicious!! Your hard work and collaborative effort must perservere, boys…..and there should be no turning back henceforth…..Go Flames Go!!!