The Phoenix Coyotes not only have no names on their team, but they have nobody in their arena. Half filled with Flames fans, and half filled with ticket giveaways, the rink with what looked like 9000 strong watched their team work just that bit harder than the visiting squad to net two invaluable points in the playoff race.

A Flames win would’ve put them one point out of 8th. They couldn’t even muster that. Injuries continue to mount as Alex Tanguay played sparingly after taking a puck to the face. Yet another blow to the Flames offence, one they can’t take anymore of. But for what it’s worth, Calgary had their chances but fell short. They can blame fatigue with their back to back game but bottom line they couldn’t find a way to win or carry their momentum from SJ’s win forward. That’s what playoff teams do and this team has demonstrated they can’t make it happen.


In goal Leland Irving, a chance to supplant Karlsson who’s playing, ironically in Calgary tonight, with the AHL Heat. Flames would’ve won had Kipper been in goal, but you can’t play him 82 games of the year. First goal was weak. Irving also looked like a fish out of water on cross ice passes. Kid clearly isn’t ready for the big leagues and should be sent down (although the future with him is bright.)

Offensively Jokinen continues his foray with another goal. The rest of the team? Well we’re a one line wonder and it doesn’t help players keep dropping to injuries like flies. Calgary needs points when they play average teams but have proved this season they can’t make it happen. THings only get tougher as they visit Vancouver Saturday. Expect an unfortunate, and significant, loss.

Calgary may have stolen two points had they made it to the shootout, but a lazy tripping penalty by Backlund (with a nice dive) put the Flames way behind. I guess Backlund wants to be the new Bourque.

Notes: Time to take Cory Sarich out, he’s a liability bar none. Babcuk deserves another go.