What a night.
Down early, some chances to come back but that foreboding feeling that a comeback wasn’t possible. Then you score three on the back of your leader only to face a one our rain delay with tensions high. All for not as when the game resumes its the bad guys taking the game and the series.
Wait … my channel surfing clearly left me confused.
The Flames like the Jays were down early in this one, but unlike the baseball team the Flames led by Mark Giordano scored with just over a minute left in the third period and won it in overtime 3-2 to stop a skid and put smiles on the face of Saddledome patrons for the first time this season.
If only Jose had one more chance at the plate …
The Flow
A solid first period for the Flames as they respond to a brutal start to their season. It wasn’t easy though, the Wings score early on a powerplay pushing the Flames into an adversity situation early, but they recovered when Mark Giordano scored for the second straight game to tie things at one. Another Calgary penalty leads to another Wings powerplay goal and it truly had the feeling of another long night for Calgarians.
Down a goal and the second period on tap, had wondering if they should actually play taps. But wait! The Flames come out to play, and although they weren’t rewarded for their efforts on the scoreboard despite running and gunning to the tune of 16 shots to four for the home side. In that period the Flames seemed to find a little more of the try that was constantly on display last season, momentum they hoped to carry into the third.
The Flames carry on where they left off in the third, peppering Jimmy Howard with numerous shots and chances but the Wing’s goaltender stood tall. Time ticked on through the period giving one the feeling that they might not have that 2014-15 season magic, especially as they pushed and gave up a few dangerous odd man chances. Hiller stood tall though, buying the club time to get the goalie pulled and go on the attack. Said magic finally happened when Giordano fired the puck from the point to a waiting Joe Colborne who tipped the puck back against the grain and past a sliding Howerd. Tied up and going to overtime.
The Flames and Wings both had their chances in the extra period with both goaltenders again looking stellar. The Flames found the winner when Gaudreau weaved his way into position before feeding Giordano who waited out Howard and put a backhander into the cage. Huge win for the Flames.
Three Stars
1.Mark Giordano: He’s back! Mark Giordano takes a huge step back towards his old self with two goals, including the game winner, and an assist to lead his team back to victory.
2.Jimmy Howard: Simply the difference in this one as the Flames poured it on from the drop of the puck in the second forward. Stopped 33 of 36 shots for the Wings.
3. Johnny Gaudreau : Shifty little guy had two assists and was +3 to stir the drink.
Big Save
So many saves in this one to choose from, but I’ll go with Hiller stoning Tatar with five minutes to go in the third period and the Wings up 2-1. If that goes in clearly the heroics from Giordano wouldn’t have been seen.
The Goat
No goat in this one, both teams came to play and there were no passengers on either side. Easily the most entertaining game played on Saddledome ice to date.
Mr. Clutch
Jonas Hiller. Calgary goaltending has been under fire of late for the slow start for the two veterans, and the three headed monster situation in the Flames dressing room. But with the move to send Ramo to the farm this was Hiller’s net and he was a difference maker in giving up only two powerplay goals and some circus saves late to give his team a chance.
Odds and Ends
In the end I guess you have to admit the change to the defense pairings were effective as the Flames won (clearly the big goal), and didn’t give up a five on five goal. The distribution of ice time featured Wideman 32 minutes (that’s odd), Russell 27, Giordano 26, Hamilton 19, Engellend 10 and Smid 8. As expected despite how they lined up in pairings the big four played the most, with Hamilton noticeably settling down. He coughed the puck up in the first but was dangerous sneaking in and more competent in his own zone. The microscope has clearly rattled him so a) playing better b) getting out on the road and c) Brodie’s imminent return will all help him get solidified even further. … Micheal Ferland left the game early with what looked like a leg injury of some kind. Hopefully that injury isn’t too severe as the Flames have only Bollig in spare with a three game road trip slated to go wheels up tomorrow. … Speaking of Bollig the Flames dressed a speedy more balanced line up with Bollig on the sidelines and Raymond back in. I’m not a Bollig disliker and I see the value in his role, but I do think the team would be smart to spot his duty based on who the opposition has lined up. … As I said above you have to like the play of Hiller tonight with the three goalie monkey off his back. A learning experience for Treliving who was getting it right over and over and over again through the trade deadline and the off season but the Ramo signing may just have had a factor in the team’s early season unraveling. The error was essentially putting asset management ahead of a future dressing room, or perhaps the cart ahead of the horse. If he signs Ramo and then deals Hiller for a third in the middle of that goalie frenzy we saw around the draft, then he’s a genius. Instead the market dries up and he’s stuck to carry three into the season. … With the win tonight the Flames are now 2-5-0 and still in a lot of trouble. I’m guessing that win feels pretty good however, and if they can carry that into a .500 trip or better than they can right their season and go from there. Tough trip though with games in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Ottawa before coming home to play the Habs.
Next Up
Road time! Flames have a tough three game road trip starting Sunday night in Madison Square Garden against the Rangers. Game time 5pm Sportsnet.
Lines:
Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Jiri Hudler
Micheal Ferland – Mikael Backlund – Michael Frolik
Micheal Ferland – Sam Bennett – David Jones
Mason Raymond – Matt Stajan – Josh Jooris
Mark Giordano – Dennis Wideman
Kris Russell – Deryk Engellend
Brett Kulak – Dougie Hamilton
Jonas Hiller
