It was a late Sunday night, which meant work for the majority of viewers the next morning, but every Flames fan sat glued to the very edge of their seats as overtime unfolded in the best of seven series. Dallas took Calgary to the bring despite being badly outplayed for most of the series. Despite scoring in the very first minute of the 1st period, the Flames didn’t fold event though psychologically it must have been difficult to keep doubt at bay. You see, Calgary threw a near record amount of of shots against Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger, yet what they got back was near historic goaltending back. The breathtaking final game went the distance and then some, with the Flames getting golden chance after chance, unable to solve Oettinger.

But their relentless pressure was rewarded. The Flames deserved this win given their play, and although one hot goalie can steal a series, Calgary had their own answer in Jacob Markstrom. Best GAA in the first round? That’s Markstrom with a blazing 1.53. When your adversary is playing at historic levels, all you need to do is make the last save, and that’s exactly what Markstrom did, matching Oettinger save for save, coming up with with clutch saves late in the third and in the OT frame.

And then this with 5 mins left in the first OT frame kept here for posterity sake (since we’ve all since it more than once):

And other tidbits from the game….

Tkachuk’s in the stands with the commoners.

Monahan and Gaudreau from Mama Gaudreau

Round 2, Fight! Battle of Alberta Begins

First BOA in the playoffs since 1991, and reminiscent of the 80s, some 30-40 years ago, when both teams dominated. I like the Flames chances given they have Mike Smith to beat, and not Oettinger. Stay out of the penalty box and we’re good (baring injuries to the defensive corps).

And finally the schedule, which is fine except for that 830 PM Start.