The Devils went down to Alberta. They were looking for some points to steal.
They were in a haste, cause they weren’t first place. They wanted a win to seal.
When they came across this young man sawin’ down a stick and playin’ it hot.
And the Devils jumped over the benchside boards and said “Boy, let me tell you what.”
“I guess you didn’t know it, but we’re hockey players too.
And if you’d care to take a dare, we’ll make a bet with you.
Now you play a pretty good game, boy, but give the Devils their due.
We’ll bet two points against your team ’cause we think we’re better than you.”
The boy said, “My name’s Johnny, and it might be a sin,
But I’ll take your bet; and you’re gonna regret ’cause I’m the best there’s ever been.”
Johnny, chewin your mouthguard, and tie those skates up tight
‘Cause Hell’s broke loose in Cowtown and it’s the Devils turn tonight.
And if you win you get to try and start a little roll,
But if you lose the Devils crush your soul.
The Devils players licked their lips and said “This won’t take long”
And flags flew on the ring of fire as George Canyon wrapped up his song.
They passed around the puck with grace and looked about to score
But the boys in red held off the push, and Ramo shut the door.
When the Devils finished, Johnny said, “Well, you’re pretty good ol’ son,
But sit down on the bench right there and let me show you how it’s done.”
“Fire on the Jumbotron.” Score, boys, score!
The Devils are in the Dome and the fans want more;
Hartley’s at the podium picking on Doh.
Bobby, can I get a quote? No, Bruce, no.
The Devils bowed their head because they knew that they’d been beat.
And tears rolled down their faces and began to pool at Johnny’s feet.
Johnny said, “Devils, just come on back. If you ever wanna try again,
I done told you once—you son of a dog—I’m the best there’s ever been.”
Props to the Charlie Daniels Band for helping with tonight’s game take. And props to the Calgary Flames for coming out with fire and rebounding after a disappointing 1-3-0 road trip. While some games this year have basically been the Johnny Hockey show, it was nice to see the entire team contribute to a solid start-to-finish victory.
On The Line
If the Flames carry any hope of making a charge for the playoffs this year, they’ll need to take care of games like these. Rested, at home, against a weaker Eastern Conference opponent.
The Flow
Just like the song suggested, it was the Devils opening with a bit of a push, but it was the Flames who would strike first, on the back of some impressive work by young superstar Johnny Gaudreau. Dipsy doodling around the Devils zone, he would eventually find Brodie with a deft pass, and Brodie would somehow squeak one by a bothered Cory Schneider. The Flames weren’t done, as a miscue behind the net led to Stajan driving the puck, and almost himself, into the vacant net. Just the start the Flames needed. 2-0 into the intermission.
The Devils answered back to begin the second. A shovel party infront of Ramo eventually saw the puck squeak through his legs, courtesy of a swipe by Bobby Farnham. But the Flames would get that back. Jones tallied his 100th goal as a Calgary Flame, as the Colborne-Stajan-Jones continue to produce as the Flames’ best line of late. A Ferland penalty would prove costly soon after, as Tootoo made it two-three with a nice snipe over the shoulder of Ramo. And now we had a game.
A fantastic third period from the Flames. They carried the play and the chances for most of the period, outshooting the Devils 12-5 in the final frame. A well deserved two points tonight after a full 60 minute effort, which have been few and far between this season.
Three Stars
- David Jones: An assist along with the game winner, his 100th goal in his career (Colorado/Calgary). After a sluggish and injury riddled start to his Flames career he’s really become a productive and valuable player, finally living up to his steep price tag.
- T.J. Brodie: Brodie is fun to watch. .
- Jordin TooToo: Impressive to see him stick in the NHL on the merit of his play. A nice goal tonight.
Big Save
Cory Schneider faced a streaking T.J. Brodie all alone midway through the third, but stood his ground and kept the Devil’s comeback hopes alive. The Flames kept him busy tonight.
Honorable mention to former Flame, David Schlemko, whacking Gaudreau’s shot out of the air on an empty net, denying the small forward his 5th of the season.
Big Hit
Micheal Ferland doing what Micheal Ferland does best. Playing the body heavy against 4th liner Brian O’Niell and sending him hard into the boards. Unfortunately with the ref’s eyes still on him he proceeded to earn an interference penalty, on which the Devils scored. But that’s what tends to happen when you play right on the edge as Ferland needs to do to be effective.
The Goat
No Goat tonight. The Flames as a unit were extremely solid to a man.
So let’s give it to a former Flame, Lee Stempniak, taking a bad penalty with just minutes remaining in the game.
Mr. Clutch
Johnny Gaudreau continues to delight the fans and help fill the net. A treat to watch on a nightly basis. Tonight was no different. Honorable mention to Matt Stajan who tallied his first goal of the season tonight, long overdue considering his solid play as the season’s progressed.
Odds and Ends
Karri Ramo made his 9th consecutive start in the Flames crease, and has been quite solid in his current run. Will be interesting what happens with the goalie situation when Hiller returns from injury… Only four times have the Flames held the lead heading into the third period this season. They are now 4-0-0 in those situations. Certainly a positive… Is there anything more frustrating when wi-fi craps out?? This writer says, “NO!”… New Jersey’s visit to Calgary last season was the epic two goals with the goalie pulled game, with Glencross tying the game with just seconds left and the Flames winning in a shootout. I remember jumping and screaming from the couch on the tying goal. Just reminiscing on the fun of the 2014/15 season and hoping the Flames can rekindle some of that magic this year. Tough tests coming up in the Hawks and then facing the Honda Centre curse.
Next Up
Fresh off a convincing loss in Chicago the Flames get a chance for revenge as the Blackhawks visit the ‘Dome on Friday night. Puckdrop 7 pm EST on Sportsnet West.
Lines (To Start):
Gaudreau – Monahan – Jones
Bennett – Backlund – Frolik
Colborne – Stajan – Hudler
Ferland – Jooris – Bollig (started)
Giordana – Brodie
Russell – Hamilton
Wideman – Engelland (started)
Ramo
