D'Arcy McGrath
October 7th, 2005

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Big Picture? Very little, the contest really amounted two just game to in an 82 game schedule that has only just begun. However, given the hype surrounding this hockey team and the need to not play two straight stinkers, this outcome will likely get a few fans with tippy toes on the bandwagon railing back into their seats where they belong.

Unlike their encounter in Minnesota, the Flames get full marks in this one for not taking many minutes off, taking it to the host Blue Jackets from the get go. The Flames essentially controlled this encounter widely out shooting the Jackets and having only goaltender Marc Denis in the way of a complete romp.

1. Marc Denis - The Jackets goaltender kept this thing close, when the Flames had enough chances in the first period to score all the goals they'd ever need to win this one.

2. Jarome Iginla - Putting some of his slow start critics at bay with a bullish game featuring at least five strong chances to score - instrumental on Daymond Langkow's winner.

3. Daymond Langkow - One of the best Flame players in both games he's played in a Calgary uniform - may make people forget that other #22 very quickly.

Not an overtly physical game in nature, but Dion Phaneuf takes the nod in this one with a text book standup to defend against Jacket youngster Dan Fritche as he tried to cut around the Calgary rookie. Phaneuf will have many more highlight reel hits in his career, but this one displayed the maturity of this young defender.

With the work that Marc Denis had to do on this night he should really own this stat, but we'll give the nod to Miikka Kiprusoff because of his sense of timing when he turned away David Vyborny with just over a minute to go on a huge rebound play. That goes in and it's likely a shoot out.

A goat in a Flames win? We'll try to point out a guy or an aspect of the team's game that was most responsible in losses, and almost responsible in wins. Tonight, the first goat award goes to the Flames "guns" who should have buried enough rubber to end this one through 40:25 of play only to be tied in Columbus.

Similarly, despite the result, we'll pick the player or aspect that was the most "on" for the Flames in either winning or, at least pushing for a win. Tonight we'll give the nod to the club's captain Jarome Iginla, who only registered a point but was at his driving best all night.

The Flames out shot the Jackets by a margin of 39-22 on the night including period by period breakdowns of 13-7, 12-6 and 11-7. ... The powerplay, not very pretty again on this night going ouch for eight two nights after only scoring once one for eight. Clearly it will need to get better, and fast. Some silver linings, however? Dion Phaneuf, the guy wants to shoot, and shoots it well. Only a matter of time until these guys develop some chemistry and take advantage of it. If teams start to key on Phaneuf it will open up some ice for Iginla with the man advantage for the first time in five years. Another plus? Discipline. The Flames have now had 16 powerplays to the opposition's eight in two games. Not bad a for a team that clutched and grabbed its way to a cup final. ... Sportsnet play by play man Roger Millions took an opportunity to make a clumsy comparison of Phaneuf and Jacket captain Luke Richardson. While Richardson has had a solid NHL career that many would envy, I would doubt that many Southern Albertan hockey fans are hoping Richardson is the benchmark. ... Media in Calgary were quick to pounce on ALI and Champ line when Tony Amonte, Daymond Langkow and Iginla were put together. I wonder if the club's new fourth line of Chris Simon (17), Shean Donovan (16) and Byron Ritche (15) will garner similar attention. The Tean Line? The Zit Line? Puberty Line? OK, I'm reaching. ... Speaking of the fourth line, is that not the most talented fourth line you've seen in Calgary in a dozen years? ... Jason Wiemer was pushed to the sidelines tonight making you wonder if he's hurt. Sutter spend two days berating three other forwards, all of which dressed on the night. ... I have to say, I'm adjusting quickly to the new rules. The penalties aren't all the more plentiful so far, and the flow of the game is just excellent. Biggest problem? When does a guy swilling beer while watching hockey find time for a ... um ... time out? No commercials. Have to wonder if there might be a TV backlash for lost ad revenue. ... Is it me or does it look like Chuck Kobasew has sent his older, bigger brother to the show in his place this season?

Amonte - Langkow - Iginla
Reinprecht - Lombardi - Kobasew
Nilson - Yelle - McCarty
Simon - Ritchie - Donovan

Hamrlik - Phaneuf
Leopold - Warrener
Ference - Montador