Lots to catch up on here. Since last I wrote, the Flames have added two more wins to the ledger, defeating the Coyotes down in Phoenix and surprising the Avalanche here in Calgary...so, without further foreplay:
- The Flames turned in their most dominating performance of the year against Phoenix last week. Lead by Iginla's 3 points, Calgary generated over 40 shots and dozens of scoring chances en route to the 4-3 win. For anyone who was unable to watch the game, I'd like to note that the score is not at all indicative of the actual game - it could have easily been closer to 8-1. The first and third Coyotes goals were caused by fortuitous bounces - Hamrlik tipped in a Phoenix pass for the first while a strange hop off the glass provided an emtpy net for Nagy for the third. In addition, Curtis Joseph was incredibly good for the 'Yotes: despite giving up 4 goals and losing, he was still one of the Molson Cup 3 stars. The major positives from this game? the emergence of a new #1 line including Rhino, Kobasew and Iginla. The newly formed trio commbined for 18(!) shots and 6 points on the night. Also - Calgary finally beats the Coyotes (and Joseph).
- On Saturday night, Calgary stunned everyone by scoring 4 unanswered goals in the first period against Colorado. This is surprising largely because Calgary has been pretty much anemic all year in the opening frame. Plus, this is a team that, until recently, struggled to get 3 goals in an entire game. Although, one of those goals was a headhunting slapshot from center - but they can't all be fancy can they? (unless you happen to play in Ottawa) Of course, not everything was roses and romance on Saturday...Colorado came back in the second with 3 goals of their own to make it interesting. Luckily the Flames were able to batten down the hatches for the remainder and pull out the win. The positives? Another 6 points from the new #1 line. Amonte finally scores another goal...AND...LEOPOLD GETS AN ASSIST! RING THE BELLS! I sure hope he can score one soon.
Negatives from this game? The play of Robyn Regehr. He was directly responsible for 2 of Colorado's 3 goals. However, I expect him to bounce back as quickly as next game. Also, Simon was rather average and Calgary took a lot of stupid penalties...but, we did win...so no major complaints.
On a more general note, I'd like to mention that the Flames are currently looking a lot like the team everyone EXPECTED to see going into the season; hard working, hard hitting and with enough talent to be opportunistic in the offensive zone. This recent winning streak has seen the revival of the Flames torrid forecheck - one of their most valuable assests during their playoff run last season. Naturally, everything will look good during a 6 game winning streak...but, in particular, the Flames have been playing the tough, high-tempo game they need to play in order to succeed. I am a little perturbed that Calgary has allowed 3 goals in 3 straight games now...however, I take solace in the fact that 2 of the games were against offensively powerful teams (Vancouver, Colorado), and the game against the 'Yotes featured 2 fluke goals against.
- Hopefully Kipper and the rest of defense can reduce those goals against tonight vs. the visiting Minnesota Wild. On paper, tonight's is a very winnable contest - the Wild are without 3 of their top forwards in Gaborik, White and Chouinard. Plus, the Wild have been struggling to score goals lately. Plus...well...Calgary's won 6 in a row. Which means Im personally worried about complacency or overconfidence on the Flames part due to these various factors. If Calgary doesn't take the Wild seriously they could be in for a rude awakening. Minnesota still has great goaltending and great coach. You can never really count them out (just ask Vancouver).
Anyways, thats it for now. I'll close by saying - FLAMES...MAKE IT 7 IN A ROW OR I'LL BUY THIS BRITNEY SPEAKS ALBUM (*Shudder*).
