While Calgary waited forever for their election results to trickle in, the Calgary Flames were in Los Angelas playing a late game to entertain voters who stayed up late. After 8 games Flames fans have seen enough to get a rough idea of the rhythm this team plays in. You can bet on consistent effort game in and game out, unlike previous years. Of course, great effort doesn’t mean the team won’t get hemmed in repeatedly, largely due to stupid defensive lapses. Cue TJ Brodie who may have scored the game winning goal with 30 seconds remaining, but put in a third consecutive poor performance on D.



Although it looks discombobulated most of the time, and for some reason the coaching staff is trying to stuff Sean Monahan on the PP (he scored, but fact is he never wins draws), the PP did tally for 2, including the late game winner.

Kari Ramo can be credited with a “steal”, he played very well and could be the answer to the departed Kiprusoff with a second solid showing. Some exceptional saves and timely posts kept the Flames in it when they were under siege.

Monahan potted his 6th of the season on the PP making the decision to send him back now a clear business move more than anything.

That meant room for Mike Cammalleri to return to the lineup after missing all 7 prior games. His return to the lineup instantly gave the Flames some more depth at scoring. With Jiri Hudler continuing his point streak extending it to 8 games, Cammalleri factored in for goal one and assisted on Monhan’s tying goal in the second.

To their credit Calgary stood up to the bigger LA team and threw some hits of their own. It’s fun to watch this team and watch their push back when teams try to push them around. Would have preferred to see the likes of Dan Carcillo step up and answer the bell to Brian McGrattan, but they never found themselves on the ice at the same time.

There were player moves before the game with Chris Breen and Roman Horak joining the team. Derek Smith and Blair Jones up. With the addition of Stajan expected soon, Ben Street will be the next man on the way out…. Phoenix up tomorrow in back to back games. Two winnable games upcoming for the squad.