Surprisingly Montreal came into Calgary the worst team in the league–and the Flames barely beat them. Things aren’t looking good. Jackman out with an injury (not that he was a goal scoring machine), so that essentially means two full lines from the AHL come Friday when the Jets come to town. Should be a great game, but one that the Flames are going to hard pressed to win given the rash of injuries.
Jarome Iginla lead the way for the Flames powering his way to two goals. Matt Stajan on the top line C and looked OK. The second line also contributed scoring, but as per usual, lines 3 and 4 did not. Sure, that’s what we can expect coming down the stretch, but we do have a health defensive corps, and they squandered leads.
The second period was another near killer period for the Flames, it seems as though any lead they have is one that’s dangerous–the team plays differently when holding the lead….
By my count Flames can only lose 4 more games in the final 15. Tough sledding for sure, especially given everyone around them are winning too.
Flames vs Canadiens
Not as pretty in red but it had been an expected outcome considering the number of players in the infirmary and the subsequent lineup changes. Supplementary to the exasperation was the knowledge that the visiting team was well equipped with their excellent penalty killing record; and their determination not to be defeated by another Canadian team after their recent loss to the Leafs. Yet, the unexpected turn of events – the Canadiens’ attempt to steal the momentum (twice) from the Flames and the power play goal were truly disconcerting. But, the overall effort of the home team deserves attention because the well-earned two points are all that count.
Noteworthy plays:
– Moss’ contribution c/o Giordano and Glencross
– Iginla’s two timers from Stajan, Brodie, Bouwmeester and Tanguay
– Glencross who continues to shine with an unassisted marker
– Giordano’s powerful target from the likes of Glencross and Jokinen
In terms of negatives, Plekanec’s push on Sarich during the final few minutes of the third with out any penalty call on the play had been upsetting, as was the injury to Jackman – Luck certainly seems to take its toll on the Calgary Flames as they tend to be losing precious players on a game to game basis.
p.s. Defence seems to be slacking down, but cheers for great effort boys!