It's almost become a foregone conclusion that the Flames will lose to a team that is lacking their top players due to injury. Every pre-game where it's mentioned that a Calgary opponent has lost a top forward, defensman or goalie (in the case of last night, all three), the Flames fail to take advantage. No Federov or Getzlaff vs. the Ducks? Loss. No Pronger or #1 (0r #2) goalie against Edmonton? Loss. No Gaborik or Koivu against the Wild? Loss. Sharks lacking Nabokov? Loss. And now add Philly without Forsberg, Esche, Primeau and Pitkanen. Perhaps the most damning aspect of last night's loss was the fact that Calgary was out-played by a debilitated squad to the tune of being outshot 37-28. Not to mention the fact that the Flames failed to score a single goal for the second time on this road trip. AArrghhh...
Positives:
- Kiprusoff.
- Kiprusoff.
- Kiprusoff.
- Some good physical play from Hamrlik and Phaneuf.
Negatives:
- Another game, another bunch of missed opportunities. 0-6 on the PP (vs. worst PK in the league) and 0 goals for on 28 shots.
- Calgary's inability to win puck battles and forecheck effectiviely (especially on the PP) last night was glaring and attrocious.
- Jarome Iginla. 9 games, 3 assists. Squandered another break-away in the dying minutes last night. Also, fanned on a glorious scoring chance in overtime. His was the lamest shot for the Flames during the shot-out as well. Has gone from struggling to downright snake-bitten.
- The Flames lose to a Flyers squad almost cut in half. One can only imagine what the outcome might have been given the presence of Forsberg, Pitkanen, Primeau and Esche.
Tonight is the conclusion of the roadtrip as Calgary heads into New Jersey. The Devils are sporting a newly re-juvenated offense and, of course, Martin Brodeur. They recently embarrassed Tampa Bay 8-2. The Flames will be playing Sauve after Kipper's exhaustive performance last night, and will be looking to score some goals at least - if not win the game.
