Take it on the road.
The Flames have stabilized their game on home ice recently, stringing together their first three-game win streak and playing their best hockey of the season. And just like last year, a team that had many already scribbling its obituary appears to have risen from the dead. There’s a buzz across this city, and it’s not just from the rum balls and holiday eggnog.
There’s a sense this team might just have an outside shot at the playoffs after all.
Playoffs? Playoffs?? That’s right Jim Mora. Playoffs.
But hold your horses. First the real test. Starting with Nashville, 11 of the next 13 games will be played in hostile territory. It’s an intimidating stretch that features many of the league’s elite. Here’s the breakdown:
- A stretch of seven games in 11 nights, and following the Christmas break, another six in just 10 days.
- 4 divisional leaders, including a surprising Florida squad, league leading Minnesota, and the 2010 and 2011 Stanley Cup Champions, Chicago and Boston respectively.
- 3 back-to-back sets.
- The always troublesome Canucks, Red Wings, and Capitals.
- In fact, in the seven games before Christmas, only two feature teams not currently in the playoffs in Nashville and Tampa Bay. But with both teams coming off deep post-season runs, they certainly hold the expectation to return.
This truly is a season-defining portion of the calendar. Escape above .500 and return home to an optimistic second half, with 24 of the last 40 games at home and all but five against Western Conference foes. Stumble, and the World Junior Hockey Championship will feature the only trophy that will hit Saddledome ice in 2012.
On The Line
A chance to start the road trip on the right foot. Just two points back of Music City, Nashville is a team the Flames will have to pass in the long run.
The Flow
The Flames were outplayed early, falling behind 7-0 in the shot count. Kiprusoff did all he could to keep the Flames even, including a fantastic split save, but could only hold the fort for so long. A shot from former Flames Brian McGrattan bounded up and was blindly batted in by the backhand of Matt Halischuk over the shoulder of Kipper. The Flames would save their best shift for last, but that was about all they generated in the first.
A much better start in the second period for the Flames, and they were rewarded for it. Curtis Glencross moseyed into the zone, dicing through traffic and made his way untouched to the bottom of the slot where he forked a backhand over Pekka Rinne and under the bar. The Flames would keep buzzing, including a Jackman snipe that went post and out, but couldn’t solve Rinne a second time. Nashville would slowly turn the tide as the period progressed, outshooting the Flames for the second straight frame.
Nashville’s powerplay was red hot coming into the game, and finally burnt the Flames on the third opportunity. With Morrison in the box for a chintzy interference call the Predators capitalized, Colin Fraser whacking in a rebound past the outstretched skate of Kiprusoff. The Flames had difficulty breaking through the defensive posture of the Preds until the final couple of minutes, when Flame fans were treated to an array of crazy bounces and just-missed opportunities. It was a rare treat from a team who typically has trouble gaining the zone with the goaltender pulled. Unfortunately the result was still the same. The Flames were unable to bury the late one, and the Flames dropped back to .500 with a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Three Stars
- Miikka Kiprusoff: A season high 43 saves, many of the spectacular variety.
- Pekka Rinne: 35 saves for the fellow Finn. A lot of desperation in the crease paid dividends tonight.
- Brian McGratton: Former Flame had a big game. Very noticeable in his 7:21 of ice time, and added an assist.
Big Save
Halfway through the first, and still scoreless, Kiprusoff followed a centering swat and threw out the right toe with the splits to deny David Legwand. As if once wasn’t enough, late in the period Kiprusoff would stone Martin Erat in identical fashion.
Big Hit
Flames weren’t too physical on this night. It was the former Flame Brian McGratton running rampant in the first, throwing back to back solid jolts against the Flame defenders.
The Goat
Alex Tanguay. He may still be feeling the effects of the flu, but he left Flames fans a little ill tonight. He just isn’t employing that extra push the Flames will need to be successful. He’s shying away from the tough areas and making soft plays. And until he regains his incredible touch, the Flames will need more effort from the skilled winger.
Mr. Clutch
Give it to the Kipper. Quite the goaltending display… on both ends. They know how to make good goaltenders over there in Finland. Must be the all the fish.
Odds and Ends
Eight shots for Iginla tonight. One of those games where a couple inches and a couple bounces are the difference between a pointless night and the hero once again…. What can you say about Kiprusoff tonight… Spectacular. He may need a new right pad for next game. Not sure if Nashville thought they saw something in their scouting report, but I noticed a lot of shots targeting the low right side. Kiprusoff dispelled any notion there might be a weakness there, kicking away puck after puck… Morrison was looking so impressive with his poise and veteran presence… until the penalty that was. Nashville is operating at 50% over their last few games. Yikes!… Great game from the young pivot Mikael Backlund. Hopefully just a sign of things to come after an injury plagued first quarter.
Darryl Sutter resuming his throne? All reports are indicating the Darryl Sutter is about to be named head coach of the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings are full of talent, but were low on determination. Sounds like a perfect recipe for ultra-motivator Sutter. It will be interesting to see how a man who essentially fired himself from coaching, citing antiquated methodology, will do over five years since leaving his post. Most will agree his time in Calgary had run its course, but thanks to his early contributions that shaped this team into a contender, I’m sure I won’t be the only one wishing him well… just not at the expense of the Flames…. Circle January 14th on the calendar, Darryl (likely) returns to the Saddledome in a Sutter versus Sutter coaching battle.
Next Up
The Flames return to the scene of the crime, St. Pete Times Forum, to visit the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning. Thursday@ 5:30, SNET-CGY.
Lines (To Start):
Glencross – Jokinen – Iginla
Tanguay – Horak – Morrison
Comeau – Backlund- Stempniak
Kostopolous – Stajan – Jackman
Butler – Bouwmeester
Hannan – Smith
Brodie – Carson
Kiprusoff
