There has been so much talk about making playoffs. Pressure has been applied to the Flames from top to bottom. Fans, media..probably their team mates and themselves. This would have been crazy talk just 3 months ago, and now its all we hear about. Just the fact they are playing meaningful games right now is an accomplishment, and for us right now, this may as well be our playoffs. Win and move on. Lose, and play out the string.
Ask yourself, if on December 23rd you were informed that with 5 games left to play the Flames would only be 3 points removed from a playoff position, would you take it? Everyone knows the tough road Calgary has to have a realistic shot, and the biggest hurdle will likely be tonight’s clash against the Ducks..but this is our playoffs. Game 7 mentality, just stay alive.
On The Line
The season. As it was last game, and as it will be for every game moving forward if Calgary can find a way to win. The Ducks are looking to put the final dagger in to a team trying to take their playoff spot, so plenty on the line for them as well.
The Flow
The Flames got exactly the start they wanted when their hottest player and captain, Jarome Iginla scored his 37th of the season on a deflected wrist shot which found its way past Ray Emery to open the scoring. Calgary found themselves in early penalty trouble when they gave the Ducks a 45 second 2 man advantage and the Ducks were able to capitalize on the single advantage when Bobby Ryan wrapped the puck around and beat an out of position Kiprusoff to knot the score at 1. Calgary didn’t learn from their errors and later in the period gave the Ducks another powerplay, courtesy of a Michael Backlund slash. The Ducks again found the net, this time it was a Cam Fowler point shot to make it a 2-1 game.
The Flames appeared to tie the game part way through the 2nd period when Matt Stajan knocked the puck in to a fray in which sight was seemingly lost. The Flames celebrated and a 5 minute review ensued.The overhead camera would confirm the puck was in the net, yet strangely the play was ruled no goal. Very odd decision considering the length of the review. Then predictably, in a period carried by the Flames, the Ducks scored on a harmless looking shot from the blueline which deflected off the glove of Cory Sarich to make it a 3-1 game.
Calgary started the 3rd period on a powerplay, which shortly turned in to a 5 on 3. Calgary scored immediately off a point shot from Giordano to make it a 1 goal game. The Flames wouldn’t generate much after that, and Corey Perry added an empty netter to seal the deal, 4-2 final.
Three Stars
- Corey Perry: The Ducks big forward continues his amazing season with two goals and an assist.
- Jarome Iginla: 2 more points for the captain as he inches closer to 1000.
- Mark Giordano: A goal and an assist for the Flames defenseman as well as some big blocked shots and over 27 minutes of ice time.
Big Save
Miikka Kiprusoff made an amazing blocker save through an impossible screen in the first period. Lubomir Visnovsky fired a shot from the point and Kiprusoff somehow found the puck and just caught a piece.
Big Hit
Cory Sarich levelled Matt Beleskey as the Ducks winger attempted to bring the puck in to the Flames defensive zone. The hit gave the crowd some life in the otherwise sleepy 2nd period.
The Goat
The NHL officials in Toronto for not getting the call correct on the non Flames goal. It was pretty clear on the zoomed in replay the puck was in, just very very disappointing given the situation. Especially with Getzlaf gloving the puck out of the net, if not a goal…should have been a penalty shot. On ice official needed to call that as that play unfortunately isn’t review-able. Just all around a big ball dropping by the officials.
Mr. Clutch
The Ducks top trio of Ryan, Getzlaf and Perry.
Odds and Ends
Really frustrating game to watch overall. Bouncy puck, too many penalties, and maybe the biggest “no goal” since the Gelinas debacle of 2004. That’s likely it folks…that should be curtains on the playoff hopes. Barring a complete collapse by both the Stars and Blackhawks I don’t see a way in for Calgary even if they run 4-0 to end the year. It’s been a great run, good season overall…just wasn’t enough. Jarome Iginla now needs just 3 more points to reach 1000 for his career. With 4 games left, its looking like he’ll get it done this season in likely one of the 2 home games to end the year against Edmonton or Vancouver. Just too bad there won’t be more on the line. Shots were 25-22 in favour of Calgary.
Next Up
The Flames head to St. Louis for a Friday night clash with the Blues @ 6:00 pm.
Lines (To Start):
Tanguay – Backlund – Iginla
Bourque – Jokinen – Glencross
Kotalik – Kostopolous- Jackman
Bouma – Stajan – Nemisz
Regehr – Bouwmeester
Giordano – Sarich
Staios – Babchuk
Kiprusoff
