When teams make a push for a playoff spot it’s a culmination of little moments in big big games that makes the difference. Keeping the puck in on a pinch, getting a stick in a passing lane, finishing every check, and finding at least a point in every game you can.
The Flames had a disappointing middle section of the game in Dallas, listing through the second and first half of the third, but found enough gumption in the third to push the game into overtime before bowing to the Stars 3-2 in overtime.
On The Line
Well a heck of a lot, which is great and a heck of a lot of fun. The Flames have to keep winning hockey games to keep ahead of the bottom six and in range of the top eight. The Stars have a chance to reel in a team above them to some extent.
The Flow
The Flames were the better team in the first half of the opening period, pushing the puck deep and testing Lehtonen a few times early. The ebb went the other way for the second half and the Stars were awarded when ex Hawk Burrish found himself in position to take advantage of a tired Sarich-Brodie defense pairing. The Flames recomposed themselves and found a late goal when Iginla and Tanguay combined on a great give and go with the captain scoring.
Much like the first period the Flames come out well in the second, carry the play and give Kiprusoff a break for once. They don’t generate any real scoring chances though, more of a territorial edge at best. The Stars take control around the midway mark forcing Kiprusoff to make a handful of great saves to keep the game all squared. Calgary moves the puck well on a late powerplay which finally results in an Alex Tanguay clang off the iron. Soon after it’s the Stars on the powerplay and they don’t miss when nemesis Steve Ott wires a one timer past Kiprusoff to put the Stars up.
Somewhat unexpectedly the Flames come out in the third and lay an egg … through the first half of the period they generate next to nothing in the Dallas zone, essentially rolling over. Some mental mistakes give the Stars a few odd man rushes and chances forcing Kiprusoff to come up large and save their bacon. Back to back powerplays for the Flames change everything as they get chances, and finally come up with a Cammalleri goal and tie things up.
Three Stars
- Mike Ribeiro: Slick pivot had an assist in regulation and then a pretty magical overtime goal to give his team the victory.
- Jarome Iginla: Flames captain had his snarl on … a logical event when Steve Ott is on the ice. Scored a goal, was a plus player and had three shots.
- Miikka Kiprusoff: Hate giving the losing team two stars but Kiprusoff as a star is sort of like giving the other team credit. He was great in the second and first half of the third or this doesn’t go to overtime.
Big Save
With the score locked down at zero in the first Blake Comeau found open ice in the deep slot and wired a one timer that Lehtonon had to be sharp on to keep from seeing the scoring opened by the visitors.
Big Hit
Mark Fistric unloaded on Mike Cammalleri when the Calgary winger streaked in on the wing and fired a shot towards Lehtonon, with the contact coming on the puck release sending the diminutive center to the ice and his sting folded in half.
The Goat
Cory Sarich. The veteran blueliner had a rough game missing his check on the first goal, and being off the mark all night on passes, and forwarding the puck. Not trying to trash the guy; but a rough one.
Mr. Clutch
Mike Cammalleri. In a feisty mood all night, and a much better positional effort in his own zone, and of course a huge goal late to give the Flames a huge point.
Odds and Ends
Odd to see Jackman looking for an instigator penalty for not fighting; the guy fights everyone! … Bit of a grizzly skate blade play on Jamie Benn in the second period, looks like the best Star was cut on his knee. … Another solid game from the Flames. They got in trouble here and there but no sustained listless inability to attack like we saw a lot last season. They’re a better, faster, younger hockey team through Jay Feaster’s first full season. Injuries have created a lot of it I guess, but you have to give some credit. They’re further along than many thought … Had to chuckle at the three times Brodie fired the puck over to Sarich only to have Sarich flip it back well wide of his partner sending Brodie to chase the loose puck. … Much better game for Blake Comeau. I wrote that his confidence was shattered after the San Jose game last week, but in this game he had two or three good chances that easily could have gone in. With the injuries he’s a key player as he plays with Cammalleri. … Love seeing some emotion from Kiprusoff. He was completely pissed after the overtime goal from Ribeiro. Hands in the air, then storming off the ice. Competitive guy.
Next Up
Calgary travels to LA to play the Kings on Saturady night; game time 8pm on HNIC.
Lines (To Start):
Tanguay – Jokinen – Iginla
Kostopolous – Cammalleri – Comeau
Bouma – Horak- Kolanos
Byron – Stajan – Jackman
Bouwmeester – Butler
Giordano – Hannan
Brodie – Sarich
Kiprusoff
