A visit from the Tampa Bay Lightning is always somewhat painful. Two teams, their cities 4000 km apart … the least likely rivals hockey, but tied together because of a memorable Stanley Cup Final 12 years ago, or more poignantly by a goal in said final in this building 12 years ago.
Old wounds heal slowly.
The times have changed, we are now completely used to instant replay and getting calls right, but back then there was no review, they didn’t stop the play to look at it. Time marched on. Since then we’ve seen similar calls, two on Sam Bennett in the last 9 months specifically and in a way things haven’t changed. What looks to be in isn’t in, if you can’t prove that it was in, if it was originally called not in.
But enough about history. Tonight the Flames did little to quell the sting of a lost Stanley Cup but they did find two points, and get things rolling on home ice again with a 3-1 win over their out of conference arch-nemesis.
Oh and it was in…
The Flow
The Flames played one of their best periods of the season in the first, putting 10 pucks on net in the game’s first 11 minutes and almost routing their visitors. Their hard work paid off when Matt Stajan corralled the rebound off an amazing rush and pass by TJ Brodie and the Flames led 1-0 after one, but could have been up considerably more due to some great saves by Bishop and a cross bar clink by Giordano.
The second was an odd period. Statistically the Lightning get full marks for a 14-7 shot edge, but the chancers were almost the polar opposite as the Flames buzzed the Tampa zone but couldn’t find a way to complete plays and forge their lead further. With minutes left the period, Giordano righted the ship though when he shook off a check and then fed David Jones for a text book tip in. For Jones it was his first goal since his torrid 6 goals in the first 15 games start, and for the Flames some insurance in a tight game. Kari Ramo made a great late save to preserve the two goal lead into the third.
The first ten minutes of the third was exactly how you want a club to protect a two goal lead. Some jump early, and early powerplay that looked good but failed to light the lamp, but overall control and very little going Kari Ramo’s way. The second half of the period was more of a gripper however, as the Lightning mounted the attack and had too many quality scoring chances. A goal with 90 seconds on the clock creates some intrigue but a Lance Bouma empty netter puts things away and the Flames are back to back in the new year.
Three Stars
1.TJ Brodie: Not even close, simply the best player on the ice tonight for either team. Hands, skating and brains, an impact hockey player.
2.Kari Ramo : Almost put together back to back shut outs, but settles for a 30 save 3-1 win to keep the ball rolling for the Flames.
3.Steven Stamkos: Scores Tampa’s only goal and logs 20 minutes of ice time for the guy that won’t end up a Leaf.
Big Save
With two and a half minutes to play in the second period and the Flames nursing a 2-0 lead Victor Hedman fires wide with a slapper that deflects off a fallen Flame player and caroms toward an unsuspecting Kari Ramo who makes a great save with his glove and pad.
The Goat
Kind of a goat-less game if I’m honest. Three Tampa players had -2 nights but no one guy stood out as a problem. Bishop was good in net, helping his squad stay in it early and the Flames played well in a home victory. Taking a pass.
Mr. Clutch
Mark Giordano. Picks up an assist on the first Flame’s goal and was at his transitional best all night. One of his best skating nights on the season, looked like the Giordano of last season.
Odds and Ends
There will be plenty of must win games on the schedule in the next four months, but some sets of games have more importance than others. This four game homestand had and has that feeling. The Flames face two huge race rivals in Arizona and San Jose but almost more importantly they can’t give back in January what they took in December. A nine win month can’t be followed up with a 4 win month or the season is lost. A great start in Denver on Saturday was great, but they have to continue to push, and a 2-1-1 or better record at home on this four gamer is crucial so getting off to a quick start against a team that was in the cup final last year is clearly key. … The win puts the Flames back in a playoff spot as they leap the Ducks to grab 3rd in the Pacific. The Ducks do have a game in hand however, so the lead is perilous if they don’t keep their traction on Thursday night. They now trail the Coyotes (that is so odd to type) by 2 points with even games making their next contest rather large. … Lance Bouma and Micheal Ferland combined for 12 hits tonight, which is so important for a smallish skilled club. Ferland again showed hands and speed and continues to prove that he may have a home in the top six down the road, while Bouma hit the empty net for his first goal of the season – a dangerous play as he was behind center and just missed the post by a couple of inches. … Can’t say enough about TJ Brodie. On the rush he’s unpredictable and dangerous. In his own zone he’s money to skate the puck out of danger. He and Gaudreau are impact, elite NHL hockey players and when they are on the ice together it amps up considerably. … Crazy to think this team is missing their depth chart suggested top two right wingers and still getting it done. … Feel for Hiller to see him stapled to the bench but Ramo is getting more and more consistent with game to game action. Bodes well!
Next Up
The homestand continues on Thursday with a crucial game against the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday, game time 7pmn on Sportsnet.
Lines:
Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Joe Colborne
Micheal Ferland – Mikael Backlund – David Jones
Sam Bennett – Marcus Granlund- Mason Raymond
Lance Bouma – Matt Stajan – Josh Jooris
Mark Giordano – T.J. Brodie
Kris Russell – Dougie Hamilton
Ladislav Smid – Dennis Wideman
Karri Ramo
