Well, the Flames split the weekend start to the roadtrip with a loss in Dallas and a victory in LA. I was unfortunately unable to observe either contest, so most of my commentary is based on second-hand info and statistical analysis.
At this point in the young season, and relative to Calgary's last road trip, I consider a .500 showing a positive thing. Also, the Flames were "in" both games - meaning a win was available to be had in Dallas with the addition of a bounce or two in Calgary's favor. The loss to Dallas (2-1), featured 2 deflection goals against - the second a pin-ball-type fortuitous bounce. Reports are that Turco stole the game for the Stars, who over the last few seasons seem able to beat the Flames no matter the circumstances. SIGH. Every team has that other "nemesis" type club that simply "has their number" (so to speak). Currently the Flames are that to the Oilers, the Wild to the Canucks, etc. Apparently, the Stars are filling that role for the Flames. Hopefully that trend will be erased some time in the near future.
Moving forward, it is very positive that Calgary was able to beat what seemed to be a hot LA Kings team on Sunday night; the Kings were coming off three straight wins, including a 7-2 drubbing of Stars when Calgary rolled into town. Despite losing to Dallas the night before and apparently having the momentum of the King's recent fortunes going against them, the Flames were able to pull out a much needed win (3-2), apparently on the backs of the strong play of Simon and (finally) Jarome Iginla. To a Flames fan deprived of live coverage, there are few game-after phrases sweeter than "Iginla played great". Especially considering his current woes. Part of the blame for Iginla'a "awakening" may be lain upon Sean Avery - he of the fiesty play and idiotic quotes - who hammered Jarome from behind early in the contest. Iginla dropped the gloves, Avery turtled. Avery got the PP and Iginla got mad. And we all know Iggy seems to play better when he's got a bone to pick. Hopefully "the giant has been awakened" and Iginla will build on this performance...which would give all the other teams and players an additional reason to hate Sean Avery...
Anyways, here's the positives from the weekend:
- 3 goals scored on the Powerplay. No, that's not a typo. Feels like food to the starving, hey?
- Iginla with 2 points and 8 shots. After his rather poor showings in the games prior to the roadtrip, Jarome seems to be picking it up.
- Kipper allows only 4 goals in 2 games. Three of which were deflections. His GAA is now down to 2.79 with a SP of .900.
- Simon finally uses his powerful shot and strength to put on a dominating performance down low against the Kings. Calgary can use all the secondary scoring they can get.
- With an assist against Dallas, Hamrlik has 8 points in 10 games. I personally can't remember the last time a Calgary d-man had that many points so quickly.
- Dion Phaneuf. A goal and an incredible 7 shots against the Kings. Probably had something to do with Calgary's 10 powerplays on the night. The rookie continues to impress.
The Negatives:
- The Flames lose a winnable game against Dallas due to a power-outtage. While Iginla has been showing signs of life recently, it is in THESE kinds of contests that he should be making a difference.
- Jordan Leopold still without a point. Ten games in and the talented d-man has been steady in his own end, but rather ordinary in the offensive zone. While his place on the #1 powerplay unit has been usurped by Hamrlik and Phaneuf, Leopold still garners enough ice time (25+ minutes per game) and has enough offensive ability to have generated more than 0 points so far. Heck, even Warrener has 2 goals! Hopefully he turns it around soon.
- Even with scoring up around the league, the Flames have yet to tally more than 3 goals in a game. While it's true that you should never need more than 3 to win, it would still be nice to see Calgary exceed that figure now and again.
- Robyn Regher still sidelined, with no word on when he will return. Booo! Even with the improvement in defensive zone coverage and penalty killing, the Flames could always use his steady presence on the blueline.
Next up - Anaheim!
