Every game matters. That’s the mantra adopted by the Flames this season — but let’s face it — some games matter more than others. When the Maple Leafs come to town the ‘C’ of red is often infiltrated by a pompous shade of blue, and the stakes become that much higher. With both teams teetering on the cusp of the final playoff spot in their respective conferences, a position that has eluded them both for a substantial period of time, there is no denying the magnitude of their matchup tonight. Being Valentines day and all, a day where red reigns supreme and blue is reserved for the mood of all losers, the Flames would love nothing more than to cast the Maple Leafs and their fans away from Calgary broken-hearted and empty-handed.
February 14th has shown favour to the Flames as of late. Just one year ago was the fondly-remembered St. Valentines Day massacre, when the Flames demolished the Colorado Avalanche 9-1 at the Pepsi Centre in Denver. Well the Flames wouldn’t be quite as merciless tonight, but they still delivered a sweet performance to their beloved fans, routing a hapless Leaf’s squad to the count of 5-1. They may have battered bruises and broken bones, but the Flames right now are full of heart and serving up smiles, picking up points in every game in February so far. Count this Flames’ fan just a wee bit smitten by the boys in red.
On The Line
The Flames are rolling as of late with points in their last five games, a season high. Meanwhile the Leafs have been reeling, losers of three straight. Both teams find themselves right on the playoff bubble, and two points at this juncture would be absolutely huge.
The Flow
A fantastic first period. The Flames struck early, a dominant shift by the top line ended up with Alex Tanguay’s alone in the slot. The potent passer looker super sniper as he fired the puck top corner over the shoulder of Gustavsson. Scary moment soon after as Stajan went down in a heap and looked to be in severe distress. Yet another centre gone to injury? Fortunately after hobbling to the bench he returned to the ice and looked no worse for wear. Then the top line would strike again. A lovely passing play saw Iginla spring his linemates in for a 2-on-1. Tanguay would settle the puck before lofting one over a sprawling Phaneuf. Just as the puck touched down it was met by the stick of Jokinen who deposited it behind a tardy Gustavsson and gave the Flames a two goal edge. Tyler Bozak would reply for the visitors, winning the faceoff from Iginla and driving the net, where he swatted the first rebound off the post and the second rebound into the mesh.
There was a nervous energy exuding from the Flames and their fans to start the second. The momentum on the Leafs side, and the Flames recent propensity for defensive hockey, suggested the Flames might have to cling to their narrow lead. The tension was amped after Phil Kessel rang the crossbar. But midway through the frame a Hail Mary lob from Sarich sprung Paul Byron in alone. And for a rare moment, a lazy tug by Phaneuf on Saddledome ice was good for the home side. The tiny Byron would come up huge in the penalty shot, slow and shifty he found a spot just inside the post over Gustavsson’s blocker to restore the two goal cushion.
In the third the Flames would do a good job limiting the Maple Leafs’ opportunities while generating some of their own. Finally the Flames would break through. A persistent cycle in the Leafs’ zone found the tape of Comeau alone in the slot and he made no mistake rifling the puck over the shoulder of Gustavsson. And for their final act the top line would once again delight the hometown fans. Tanguay meandered across the slot and handed the puck to Iginla who after a slight delay fired his 22nd of the season top shelf. A Happy Valentines day indeed.
Three Stars
- Alex Tanguay: So poised and so dangerous on this night. Effort on the defensive end, and seemingly effortless on the offensive, he finished with a goal, two assists and a plus two.
- Miikka Kiprusoff: It is an honour to watch this man work on a nightly basis. 41 saves tonight.
- Olli Jokinen: 2 points tonight and over ppg in his last 33. Now that he’s finally established chemistry with Iginla, I doubt there are many left who will question his ability to be a number one centre on this team.
Big Save
In the dying seconds of the second period and a Leafs’ powerplay, Kiprusoff would track a dangerous deflection in the low slot and seal his pad to the ice to kick the puck away from harm. Not the most spectacular looking save on the night, but enormous in its timing and level of difficulty.
Big Hit
It’s been a while since we saw the Double Dion, well tonight we were witness to the rare Triple Dion. Phaneuf would jolt Bouma into the boards, and the collision was enough to knock back Kostopolous and Tanguay who toppled backwards over the bench. Great to see the two wingers bounce back up with huge grins on their faces… it seems the Flames are having fun again. Funny what winning can do.
The Goat
As I’ve only been doing Game Takes for a year or so, it gives me great pleasure to anoint Dion Phaneuf with the Goat horns tonight. The former Flame fell out of favour with me in his latter, lazy years here in Calgary. So for once I could take great pleasure watching his sub-par performance on Saddledome ice. 0 points, -1, the breakaway hook that led to Byron’s penalty shot goal, all in a vastly ineffective effort from #3. Nice to have a goat-esque performance from Phaneuf benefit the Flames.
Mr. Clutch
Welcome back Mr. Byron! Wasn’t all too sad when he was sent back to the farm earlier this year but elated by his performance in his return to the bigs. Great speed, great hustle, and great hands on his goal. That’s what the Flames will need going forward. Timely contributions from the Heat call-ups.
Odds and Ends
Well the injury bug keeps biting the Flames. Backlund and Jones now out for an extended period of time, the Flames once again forced to draw from their evaporating pool of prospects down in Abbottsford. Credit to the call-ups who have been performing admirably in the place of their fallen comrades, and have the Flames right back in the playoff mix. My theory? There is no doubt Brent Sutter is an excellent junior-level coach. He’s proved it in the WHL and World Juniors. He excels at motivating and coordinating young players. Well this recent rash of injuries has allowed him to return to his niche. The young guys come up and are buying into the system, allowing him to implement the structure he’s insisted on from day one of his tenure. Also helps that the top line is red hot and clicking with consistency… Couple big scares in this one as the Flames almost lost two more centremen. First Olli Jokinen took a puck off the leg in warmup that left him shaken up, but obviously there was no damage done as he delivered yet another fine performance. Then in the first Stajan went down awkwardly twisting as he fell. As much as we fans have lamented about his play this year, he’s been steady in his roll of fourth line centre and losing him at this time would really hurt the team. Fortunately he also looks like he survived his scare unscathed… Cammalleri played centre today for the first time since he was just starting his career with Los Angelas. He looked quite comfortable out there, and went over 50% in the faceoff dot, which is something no other Flame could claim. They were dreadful on the puckdrops…. I’m not exactly sure why, but I love when the broadcast cuts to a shot of the Flames’ press box after a goal and they show a stoic Feaster and beaming Conroy. I guess it’s because I respect that Feaster has his eyes on the big picture — playoffs — and refrains from reveling in every little success. And Conroy, well he’s just being the Conroy we all know and love.
Next Up
The Flames head back on the road for a pivotal two game swing. First up is Dallas on Thursday night, 6:30 puck drop, on TSN.
Lines (To Start):
Tanguay – Jokinen – Iginla
Kostopolous – Cammalleri – Comeau
Bouma – Horak- Kolanos
Byron – Stajan – Jackman
Bouwmeester – Butler
Giordano – Hannan
Brodie – Sarich
Kiprusoff
