To a man through camp the Flames discussed the need to get off to a better start this season. Last year; as we all know, they stunk the joint out into January and then caught fire and almost made the playoffs. The team feels that first half team wasn’t them, that the second have version is here to stay.
Perhaps that’s the case, but the evidence was heavy to the contrary on Monday afternoon as the Flames were thoroughly outplayed by their hosts in a 5-2 St. Louis victory.
On The Line
Not a whole lot. This entire season is going to be tight so getting this “on the line” section into a knot this early makes very little sense. However much like a fourth put on a green counts the same as a 350 yard drive the Flames need points all season long and can’t fall into four or five game funks. Winning this one would snap skid one at one.
The Flow
The Flames were actually very good to start this one. They jumped on St. Louis early; had some great chances and capitalized when Curtis Glencross took a deflected pass from Olli Jokinen and whipped a low shot through Halak’s legs. From there it was still Calgary’s period. They killed off a minor and looked to be playing a good road game when Karlsson coughed up a big rebound and the game was tied after 20.
The second was all St. Louis. Karlsson struggled somewhat but the team in front of him wasn’t generating any speed or chances, and certainly not shots. The Flames escape the period down only 3-2 when Jarome Iginla found the back of the net on the powerplay; a scoreboard very flattering to the visitors.
The third was a lot like the second with Calgary just having no zip, and no push to speak of. St. Louis scores another two times and essentially lay down for a nap as the guys in white didn’t have an answer.
Three Stars
- Alex Pieterangelo: Big defenseman is really coming into his own. A goal (rocket!) and assist, +3 with 23 minutes of ice time to lead the Blues.
- Andy McDonald:Great to see guys recover from concussion woes, the pint sized forward had two assists and a head on a swivel all night.
- Jason Arnott: Former (insert any name from the NHL) still has it, goal and an assist for his newest team.
Big Save
For timing and impact I’ll go with a second period Halak save with the score 2-1 St. Louis. He awkwardly swatted the puck away with his catcher only to have it whacked back towards the corner of the net but he whipped out his right pad then snow angeled for a cover up.
Big Hit
Jarome Iginla figuered he was going to freeze Dave Backes and then slip around him in the third, but the Blues captain had none of it and stepped into the Calgary captain, rocking both player back on to their heels.
The Goat
I didn’t like this game from anyone to be honest. The offence didn’t generate anything, and Henrik Karlsson has to be better as well. Take your pick.
Mr. Clutch
Rarely do I not at least consider Mark Giordano for this game take honour, today was no different. You notice him. He plays with passion every night. Even when little gets accomplished you saw him in the game.
Odds and Ends
Didn’t hear anything about an injury, so interesting to see Bachuck scratched in game two of the season. Remember, however that he started terribly in Calgary after the trade last season but was solid down the stretch. I think he’s a player that needs to find a groove. He’ll be back. … Thought Stajan and Hagman had a good showing for fourth line players (Sutter juggled the roster around a lot down the stretch). … Horak is going to be a good player and he’s certainly doing a fine job, but he’s not long for the NHL. … I miss Backlund’s creativity, hope it’s more like 2 weeks and less like 6. … Anyone else notice how the Flames STILL lack in the North South hockey style of today’s NHL? They back off on challenges when carrying the puck, completely slowing down their own attack and playing right into the defense of the other team. They need to take it wide or dump it in … and stop skating wide in the neutral zone and throwing back to the late guy. My thoughts anyway.
Next Up
The Flames are in Montreal for the Habs home opener on Thursday night; 5.30pm on Sportsnet.
Lines (To Start):
Tanguay – Moss – Iginla
Glencross – Jokinen – Stempniak
Hagman- Horak – Bourque
Kostopolous- Stajan -Jackman
Giordano – Hannan
Bouwmeester- Butler
Sarich -Smith
Kiprusoff
