A year ago the Flames flummoxed their way to a seventh place finish in the West, based largely on pattern of slow starts and intense finishes.
Thus far, through two games against the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames have come out hard, controlling the first twenty minutes only to run out of gas and drop both contests, tonight in overtime by a 5-4 score.
It’s early, absolutely no doubt about it, but the Flames of the first four preseason games seem to be long long gone, with an up and down less than fleet footed impostor left in its wake. Are they tight? Are they slow? Hard to say at this point, but the changes, changes that lead to all four goals for tonight, don’t seem to be enough at this point to put some of the ugliest 07/08 highlights behind them.
Back to the drawing board.
On The Line
Game two … there can only be so much on the line, lets face it. However, given the recent failings of the Flames in October (last year’s slow start actually came in November), you know the Flames were treating this one like a semi must win given their prat fall in Vancouver.
The Flow
A solid hit everything start for the Flames, only to be set back by a weak effort by Miikka Kiprusoff when Daniel Sedin brought the puck out of the corner and bounced it past the stymied Finnish blocker. The Flames caught momentum from their fourth line when Andre Roy set off the first off three straight first period goals from newcomers. Additional goals from Todd Bertuzzi and Rene Bourque sent the Flames into the second up two.
The Canucks, much like they did two nights earlier in Vancouver, found their gear in the second and took the game to Flames tying it up mid-period before Mike Cammalleri continued the new guy push giving the Flames a 4-3 lead through forty.
In the third, the Flames were much better, but had the game tied by Daniel Sedin again sending the game into overtime.
In the extra frame, a Canuck two one one converted by newcomer Pavol Demitra, taking an errant pass from Burrows and ending the game.
Three Stars
- Daniel Sedin: Opened and closed the scoring in this one for the Canucks to pace the way.
- Rene Bourque: Goal and an assist and a lot of board work for the Flames in this one. The man creates a lot of chances and creates havoc, despite what may be described as stone hands.
- Henrik Sedin:If Daniel is having a good night, you just know his brother isn’t far behind, two assists for the set up twin.
Big Save
With the game hanging in the balance, Curtis Glencross broke in on Roberto Luongo in the the third period but had his deflection attempt go high and into the netting. A goal there and the Flames likely cruise two a season evening win.
Big Hit
Lots of hits in this one, but Todd Bertuzzi’s clean hit on Ryan Johnson was clean despite the boarding call that ensued. The hit wasn’t from behind, and Johnson clearly through himself to the ice to add to the call.
The Goat
The Flames as a roster. The team just hasn’t had the ability thus far to sustain momentum. They’ve been world beaters for 45 of the 120 minutes we’ve seen through two games, but road kill for the best and that just isn’t good enough as the standings clearly show. The roster is upgraded, I have little doubt about that fact, but we have yet to see the fruit of that effort.
Mr. Clutch
Vancouver blueline. Despite the early loss of Kevin Bieksa they managed to rally around Mattias Ohlund and keep the Flames forwards to the outside for the most of the night. Good, solid, stay at home defense throughout for the group paved the way to a visitor win.
Odds and Ends
The Flames have yet to connect on a powerplay goal, going ouch for 13 through two nights against the Canucks. That simply has to change. … Had to laugh at Mark Crawford calling Robyn Regehr Darcy all night. Don’t get me wrong, a very nice first name, but still … the Flames through two games have simply been odd, good attack speed, good forechecking but blown coverage after blown coverage in their own zone. That simply has to change. … Mike Milbury’s continued on camera career continues to defy logic. Worst GM of all time? Probably. Make him an analyst! … Miikka Kiprusoff has allowed 11 goals in two games to start the season, but I’m not sure I’d hand anything but Sedin’s first goal tonight on him as a bad goal. That’s how weak this team has been in their own zone. … Big additions up front this offseason featured Bertuzzi, Cammalleri, Bourque, and Glencross. All but Glencross scored in this one along with less heralded addition Andre Roy. What a shame we haven’t seen a continued push from local products David Moss and the scratched Dustin Boyd.
Next Up
The Flames can lick their wounds until election night on Tuesday when the Avalanche come to town to face the Flames.
Lines (To Start):
Bertuzzi – Langkow – Iginla
Cammalleri – Lombardi – Bourque
Glencross – Conroy – Moss
Roy – Primeau – Prust
Phaneuf – Giordano
Vandermeer – Aucoin
Sarich – Regehr
Kiprusoff
