For the past several weeks the Flames have found a way to win, to pick up points. They’d start slow and come back. They’d start quick, cough up leads and then find a way in the end to pick up the deuce.
It’s a pace winning teams find, and from time to time it’s a pace that winning teams lose track of, as has been the case on this two game road trip with the Flames going down for the second time in 24 hours, this time 3-1 to the Dallas Stars.
A well played game by two very good hockey teams, with the difference being finish and a better powerplay for the Stars.
On The Line
The Flames are in good stead when it comes to the overall standings, the lead in their division and their season to date, but losing two in a row is never a good sign so they take to the ice to stop a skid at one. Dallas looks to continue their march onwards and upwards in the West.
The Flow
Steve Ott wasted little time in getting in Jarome Iginla’s grill off the opening face off, sending both teams into a spirited start. An interference call sent the Flames to an early powerplay where two Flames scored, with video replay giving the nod to the second marker by Mike Cammalleri, negating the earlier Todd Bertuzzi score. Both teams settled down with the Stars carrying the play and Kiprusoff equal to the test. A late dummy call to Bertuzzi took away a Calgary lead sending the teams to their respective rooms notched at one.
As is often the case, a late goal in one period leads to consistent momentum in the next period by the team that found it; and that was the case in the second when the Stars came out hot, took the play to the Flames, and then went ahead on a powerplay goal. The Flames found their game towards the end of the second and could have easily tied it on a late powerplay goal if not for a great save by Turco on Dustin Boyd.
A pretty even third period with the Flames powerplay coming up empty with a great chance to tie things up ending with a Steve Ott breakaway on a foolish Bertuzzi pass and a powerplay the other direction. Some great chances for the Flames through the middle portion of the period but Turco stood tall or the puck would skitter wide. A great individual play by former Bolt Brad Richards pretty much salted things away.
Three Stars
1. Marty Turco: Was the best Star on the ice, though likely not as busy as his counterpart. Loves to play those Canadian teams.
2. Miikka Kiprusoff: Gave up three goals but was unreal all night in stoning the Stars on several point blank chances. Gave his team a chance to win.
3. James Neal: Young Star scored the game winner and had several other great chances.
Big Save
Take your pick in this classic goaltender battle. Kiprusoff made numerous eye poppers, but he wasn’t leaving his counterpart too far behind. Some options include Kiprusoff on Rebeiro and then later Turco on Dustin Boyd. Late in the second Kiprusoff was unreal in stopping both Neal and Modano bang bang. But Kiprusoff on Sutherby in the third was simply nuts as he got his trapper up on a point blank pass from behind the net.
Big Hit
The Ott on Lombardi open ice hit or Nystrom on Robidas board smash take the mark, but you can’t help but point out the Todd Bertuzzi “mount” on Mike Rebeiro in the second. Just odd to watch.
The Goat
No true goat in this one as both teams played really well. The Stars powerplay got it done twice, the Flames powerplay … only once. And that was the difference. But if I’m going to pick a guy it’s Bertuzzi for two bad penalties and a brutal giveaway to send Ott in alone.
Mr. Clutch
First star or not you have to give it to Kiprusoff for a great display of goaltending. So many great saves giving his team a chance to come back and pick up two points.
Odds and Ends
You don’t want to call a slump, there’s no fan fun in that, but the Flames are letting some of the mediocrity slink back into their game. Not taking the simple play in their own zone, a transition game in a funk and some selfish penalties all point back to that first six weeks of the season. Hopefully the coaches are seeing the same and reading the riot act as we go forward. … Broken record I know, but Craig Conroy just can’t be on that top line, too many series are dying on his stick with soft turnovers, or weak attempts at the puck. He’s great value as a third line center, I like him on the team, but it’s unfair to him to push him into this situation. As was suggested on the site, maybe it’s Keenan’s way of showing Sutter he needs a center. … Speaking of centers, in both games on this trip I’ve noticed Keenan changing centers only on the fly. You’ll see Lombardi on the top line but then he’ll get joined by his regular third line wingers, and then you’ll see Boyd for the second half of the Moss/Glencross shift. … Robyn Regehr was back to his solid “unnoticeable” self again tonight after perhaps his worst game in years in Denver last night. … I’ve had my head around the fact that Mike Cammalleri isn’t coming back next season, but that doesn’t mean I like it. Great addition to the team, what a dynamic little player. … Silver lining? The Flames seemed to perfect that pulling the goalie move after making a mess the night before (ok I’m stretching). … Two nights and two losses, but you could easily right a script for two or three Calgary points. They had enough chances in Denver to win three games, but were sloppy in their own zone and found a way to lose. A much tighter game tonight, but their powerplay let them down. Luckily they have breathing room.
Next Up
The Flames return home for another signature game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night (TSN 7:30). The Hawks have cooled down of late, but have owned the Flames this season.
Lines (To Start):
Cammalleri – Conroy – Iginla
Bourque – Langkow – Bertuzzi
Glencross – Lombardi – Moss
Nystrom – Boyd – Roy
Phaneuf – Pardy
Regehr – Aucoin
Sarich – Giordano
Kiprusoff
