2004. What an interesting year in the World of Sports.
The Curse of the Bambino was finally broken as the Boston Red Sox captured the 100th World Series, their first since 1918. Meanwhile The Flames finally lifted the Curse of the Montreal Forum, beating the Vancouver Canucks in game 7 overtime to get past the first round for the first time since they captured Lord Stanley’s Cup in 1989 on Holy ice.
But 2004 also marked the beginning of a new curse for the Flames. The Disney Curse officially began, as January 19, 2004 marked the last time the Flames won a regular season contest on Anaheim ice. Led by an awesome four-assist effort by number-one centre Craig Conroy, the Flames rolled over the then Mighty Ducks of Anaheim 5-1 that night. Over eight years later and the Flames have yet to recapture that magicland feeling, dropping their past 13 games in the Honda Centre.
Well as Boston and Calgary proved in 2004, all curses must come to an end, and with the end of the season approaching faster than the Drop of Doom the Flames could really use the breaker tonight. But instead of breaking the curse the Flames would suffer heartbreak, dropping this one in the 8th round of a shootout and extending the winless streak to 14.
On The Line
The Ducks are hot of late, 9-2-2 in their last 13. But the Flames can’t afford to drop many more games, especially to teams below them in the standings. Which means a win is paramount tonight.
The Flow
A cautious beginning from both sides saw little in the way of quality chances early on as both sides traded harmless shots. The Flames failed to capitalize on their best chance, a puck-drop breakaway for Jokinen that even caught the broadcast team off guard, and the Ducks took advantage soon after. First Bobby Ryan left unguarded in the middle of the slot sniped his 20th of the season blocker side past a screened and helpless Kiprusoff. Then Matt Beleskey tipped a Brookbank slapper past another helpless backstop. Already down 2-0 and having scored more than two goals just twice in their last eight games the Flames would have their work cut out for them in this one.
The Flames broke into the lead early in the second, Tanguay chopping a loose puck underneath Hiller. Shortly after Hannan was sinned binned for a blatant interference call, Blair Jones would accidentally lumberjack whack Teemu Selanne’s face setting up a lengthy 5 on 3 Duck advantage. Flames fans where then treated once again to the Miikka Kiprusoff show. The nimble Finn made save after spectacular save, bailed out occasionally by a post or two… or three. Somehow the Flames managed to keep the puck out of the net, pumping up the numerous Flames fans in attendance and giving the team a noticeable lift they would need to carry over into the third.
On the topic of 2004, Jarome Iginla was channeling his old 2004 dominant self that made him the most feared player of that era. After a flying Sisba headbutt to the jaw of Jackman gave the Flames a rare 3 minute powerplay the Flames captain took over. First he dissected the Ducks D, accepting a pass from Jokinen and breaking in alone where he fired his 20th blockerside on Hiller. He would get and set up a couple more glorious chances in the frame but both goaltenders would shut the door and send this game into overtime.
First the lucky. A quick shot from the side boards caught Kiprusoff down and unaware but it rang the post and stayed underneath the splitting goalie. Then the unlucky. Tanguay and Iginla broke out on a lengthy two-on-one. Tanguay made the perfect feed to Iginla cross crease but the puck flung up off his blade and over the crossbar. Headed to a shootout.
Jokinen would return to his breakaway move in the first, this time clearing the shoulder of Hiller. But Perry would reply instantly for the Ducks. Round 5 saw the Ducks go ahead as Kipper got his glove on Bobby Ryan’s wrister but the puck still dribbled in behind him. Blair Jones would then pull off a beautiful move to keep the Flames alive. But three rounds later the former flame Niklas Hagman came in and fired the puck over his sprawled former goalie. Who else knew that was going in before Hagman took off? Just the Flames luck. One more chance for the Flames but Backlund was denied on a cheeky deke. 14 straight losses for the Flames in Anaheim. Poop.
Three Stars
- Miikka Kiprusoff: He did all he could to capture personal win 300. I just wish he had stayed upright against Hagman in the shootout.
- Corey Perry: A thorn in the side of the Flames all night. His shootout goal looked so casual.
- Jarome Iginla: Vintage Iginla was dominant in the Ducks end, but unfortunately was limited to a single goal on this night.
Big Save
Not just one, but multiple gigantic saves on a lengthy 5 on 3 Duck advantage. Twice a Duck sniper let go a rocket one-timer off the side boards and twice Kiprusoff shot out the right pad to deny a sure goal.
Big Hit
Still feeding off the momentum from the huge penalty kill, Lance Bouma would pump his legs and finish off Cam Fowler into the end-glass behind the Ducks’ net.
The Goat
Mikael Backlund. A guy with his skill shouldn’t be waiting until round eight of a shootout. But we saw exactly why. With the game on the line he pulls out a Zetterberg-esque cheeky move… without any of the confidence. Meek attempt.
Mr. Clutch
For the Flames: Blair Jones. Facing a loss with his shootout attempt he pulls out a slick backhand to forehand move to keep the Flames’ hopes alive. But former flame Niklas Hagman deserves a nod too. A chance to burn his former team that cast him off and he took full advantage.
Odds and Ends
You have to wonder if the entire Flames squad subscribed to the new Olli Jokinen pre-game Big Mac diet. They looked rather sluggish to start the game. In fact I usually find Flames games in the Honda Centre to appear rather sluggish. It might be a combination of a panned-out broadcast camera (reducing the ostensible speed of play), the always lethargic style of Anaheim goaltenders (Giguerre, Emery, Hiller… shoulder shrug goalies), and the Ducks oppresive defensive system that always stifles the Flames (hence the 14 game losing streak)… However, that might have been one of the most entertaining third periods I’ve ever seen from the Flames in Anaheim. Great pressure and hustle from the Flames all around… Still I hate watching games against the Ducks. Just bad feelings all the time.
Miikka Kiprusoff will have to wait for win number 300, stuck on number 299. He will be the 27th goaltender to reach the milestone when he does. Hopefully he doesn’t have to wait long as the Flames can’t afford many more losses if they want to stay in the race… Speaking of Kiprusoff tonight was his 11th straight start and 14th game in a row he’s seen action. Have to think We’ll see Irving against the Sharks or Coyotes… Certainly no lack of help from the posts this game. I counted five posts in total for the Ducks, and all of them were on the verge of iron and in. Iginla rang one himself that looked to be destined for the mesh.
Next Up
The Flames dive into HP Pavilion to take on the Sharks in the first half of a back-to-back on Wednesday. 8 pm puck drop on TSN.
Lines (To Start):
Tanguay – Jokinen – Iginla
Cammalleri – Kolanos – Jones
Bouma – Backlund- Comeau
Kostopolous – Stajan – Jackman
Bouwmeester – Butler
Giordano – Hannan
Sarich – Brodie
Kiprusoff
