Okay, so maybe Calgary getting 4 goals in a game isn't a harbinger of the apocalypse. But winning their 4th straight against a strong Canucks team with a PP goal in the 3rd seems pretty darn rare and special, I'd say. Oh, and they scored more than 3 in a game. Finally.
Lots of positives for both teams to take out of this game, I'd say. While Calgary is starting to look like the competitive team everyone expected this season, the Canucks can take solace in the loss by celebrating the return of the Bertuzzi and Naslund duo. While 1 game is hardly proof positive of a return to form, the big line for the Canuckles had been rather dormant thus far - Bertuzzi in particluar had been decidedly ordinary, scoring only twice before last night. However, by generating all of Vancouver's offense (3 goals, 2 on PP), the "West Coast Express" looked more like the dominating offensive force it was several seasons ago.
On the flip side, Calgary had some very noteworthy performances from the likes of Chuck Kobasew, Roman Hamrlik and, of course, Dion Phaneuf. On a whole, the Flames again looked like the forcefull bunch of yesteryear (that being last season). This is a trend I hope continues beyond the emotional Canucks rivalry.
Positives:
- Calgary scores 4 goals in a game. That's right, Im mentioning it AGAIN.
- 4 Straight wins for a perfect home stand.
- Chuck Kobasew finally gets rewarded for his great play with a goal. Looking great.
- Calgary goes 2-8 on the PP, including the game winning marker on a 5on3. YAY to capitalizing on chances!
- Roman Hamrlik comes out of nowhere to blast home the game-tying goal. Fantastic play.
- Reinprecht with 3 assists. Kudos.
- Dion Phaneuf. Auld couldn't even see his game-winning blast. 3 points. Wow.
- Back in front of the Greasers in the standings...
Negatives:
- #1 PK at home gives up 2 PP goals on 6 opportunities.
- Amonte still struggling to bury his chances.
- Jordan Leopold held pointless. 17 games and counting.
- Langkow still busy muffing passes and shooting it wide. 2 shots and -1 with 20 minutes of ice last night. Needs to step-up his game all around.
- With Kobasew's miss, the Flames are 0-3 on penalty shots this year.
- Still waiting for an "Iginla-like" goal from Jarome. His last 4 goals have been, in order: deflection, deflection, empty-net, own-goal-by-Baumgartner. In addition, I believe he was on the ice for both of Naslund's PP goals.
- Strangly inconsistent reffing. Here's hoping the refs can figure this "new NHL" out soon.
Next up...Coyotes on the 10th.
