A night of mixed emotions for those that follow these Flames of Calgary closely.
On one hand you have a loss, their second in two starts on a two game road trip. It’s great to have a 6-1-1 record in eight games, but if you come out and drop three of four on the road you essentially give it back. The bright side? A huge third period that turns a two goal deficit into a crucial road point in a 5-4 overtime loss.
On The Line
Teams that are trying to climb out of a hole have to put an end to losing streaks before they become streaks; that is … at one. The Flames came out flat in Nashville but came on strong and lost a close one. They need to get untracked early in Tampa.
The Flow
A great start for the Flames as they jump on the Bolts in the first shift and get a great chance when Alex Tanguay floats the puck to Oli Jokinen in front of the net. From there they settle in; the hosts score first when a puck from the corner on a Lightning powerplay hits Butler on the butt and goes in. Calgary ties it late when Matt Stajan tips a Jackman pass in.
All Calgary early in the second and the visitors get rewarded when a great Jokinen pass to Iginla puts them up 2-1. From there the Lightning take over scoring three straight goals to finish the period, the last another off of Butler in a pretty unlucky night for the former Sabre.
Completely Calgary in the third as they come out meaning business and push the issue for 20 minutes. First minute has Rene Bourque scoring to bring them closer. After that many chances for the Flames including a Jackman point blank that is denied by Garon. Later the Flames tie it when a perfect slap pass from Alex Tanguay ends up on Oli Jokinen’s stick for an easy tip in.
Overtime? Didn’t last long. Steven Stamkos scores early to win it for the home side.
Three Stars
1. Steven Stamkos: Game winner and adds an assist. Clear cut superstar, unbelievable player.
2. Oli Jokinen: Goal and an assist for the Flames and many other chances including one just seconds into the first period.
3. Victor Hedman: Another member of the two point club, and a stalwart on the Bolt defense.
Big Save
In the second in the middle of the Lightning onslaught Kiprusoff drifted across the crease to make a solid Kiprusoff-ish pad save on Vinnie Lecavalier.
Big Hit
With the game only a few ticks old former Penguin Ryan Malone steps into Jokinen at the Bolt line flattening the Flames center.
The Goat
Fault or no fault you have to name Chris Butler for his two “own goals” in one game. Neither were his fault or as a result of his sketchy play but result is a result.
Mr. Clutch
Derek Smith. Just continues to develop as a late bloomer that got away on Ottawa. Two assists to run his streak to points in three games. He and TJ Brodie have really made leaving the Flames zone a more enjoyable process to witness.
Odds and Ends
A guy just doesn’t get enough of a chance to see players like Steven Stamkos; the guy is simply explosive. Big, fast, and on purpose every shift, so fun too watch. … Good to see Matt Stajan score a goal. I honestly feel for the guy. … Tough night for young Flames with both Brodie and Backlund punching the puck into the middle on unforced errors. … I don’t think Jarome Iginla had any idea how much time he had with seconds left in the third after roasting both Tampa defenseman with a slick move. He could have gone straight to the net but instead he tossed a brutal pass across to Morrison. … Point helps a bit, but the Flames really need three points in the next two games to hold serve on their surge. A 1-2-1 trip won’t do it. … The Flames now have an identical record to the Oilers and sit ahead of them due to head to head record and four points out of a playoff spot. … Rene Bourque would have scored if he hadn’t of fanned. The wickets were open and he was putting it through them.
Next Up
Tomorrow night the Flames continue their trip in Florida against the Panthers. Game time is 5.30pm on Sportsnet.
Lines:
Glencross – Jokinen – Iginla
Comeau – Backlund – Stepniak
Bourque – Morrison – Nemisz
Jackman – Stajan – Kotsopolous
Butler – Bouwmeester
Smith – Hannan
Brodie – Carson
Kiprusoff
