On The Line

A seven game winning streak and the chance to exact some revenge on the Red Wings after the loss in October.  A win tonight would also run the Flames home record to an incredible 9-1-1.

 The Flow

The Flames were unable to draw from the energy of the crowd early in the game.  A somewhat lackadaisical effort in the first period left the Flames behind 1-0 early.  However, the momentum would shift the Flames way half way through the first period after a breakaway goal by Tony Amonte.  The Flames would continue to dominate in the remaining periods and managed to keep the Red Wings’ top guns off the score sheet. 

Three Stars
1 – Tony Amonte. Had one of his best games as a Flame.  He was using his speed and quick hands to get in deep on the Detroit defense all night.  Not only did he score the game-tying goal but he also assisted on the Flames third goal that put the game out Detroit’s reach.
 2 – Darren McCarty. His raw energy and strength lit a fire under a listless Flames team in the first period.  He continued to crash and bang all night and put away his second goal of the season.  He was obviously pumped up to be playing against his old team and it showed.
3 – Mikka Kiprusoff. Although he wasn’t tested too much throughout the game he did come up solid on a number of close in chances.  His poise and solid play gave the Flames the confidence they needed to fight back after going behind early in the game.

Big Hit

Darren McCarty absolutely crushed Chris Chelios in behind the Detroit net half way through the first period.  As mentioned above, it was this kind of play that shook the Flames out of their early funk.

Big Save

Detroit goalie Manny Legace came up huge against Flames forward Steven Reinprecht midway through the third period.  Reinprecht managed to corral a loose puck at the Detroit blue line and skated in alone against Legace.  Legace’s blocker soundly turned the quick shot away.

The Goat

With such a solid team effort it is tough to pick out a goat but the Flames defensive performance early in the first earned them the title.  Andrew Ference gave the puck away to Wings center Robert Lang at the Flames blueline.  His giveaway turned into the first goal of the game on the first shot of the game.  Shortly after there were numerous defensive mistakes made in clearing the puck out of the Flames zone.  The defense did, however, tighten up as the game went on.

Mr. Clutch

It is hard to pick just one Flame tonight so Amonte and McCarty share the title of Mr. Clutch.  Both showed the speed, heart and determination that have come to be associated with a winning Flames team.

Odds and Ends

The Flames took advantage of the no center line rule on their first goal.  Reinprecht feed a beautiful stretch pass to Amonte who went in all alone on Legace…For the second straight night Flames coach and GM Darryl Sutter mixed-up his lines throughout the game.  The starting forward line had Yelle centering Iginla and Nilson…After a disappointing effort Monday night against the Wild Jason Weimer was sent to the press box in exchange for feisty forward Byron Ritchie…Jordan Leopold left the game early in the third period after being cut in the face.  He did return…Chris Simon continued to show why he hasn’t earned a spot on the top two lines.  He took a couple shifts with Iginla and his lack of speed was painfully obvious…Calgary finished ahead of Detroit in a number of areas including shots (28-22), hits (26-22), takeaways (9-3), giveaways (7-12) and blocked shots (14-9)…Compared to the night before the game was relatively well refereed.  Detroit took 4 penalties and the Flames 3.

Next up – Chicago Blackhawks, Friday November 18.  7:00 pm MST.  Available on Rogers Sportsnet and Fan 960.

Lines -

Much like the night before the lines did change throughout the game.  However, this is how they started…

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

Hamrlik-Phaneuf
Leopold-Regehr
Ference-Warrener