I have to admit I was pretty stunned when Langkow potted the winner in overtime against the Senators on Saturday night. I was pretty satisfied that the Flames were able to hold the Senators to such a low scoring game into the third period...the tie and then the win were definately "cherry on top" kind of additions. More impressively than simply winning the game, Calgary also established some "firsts":
- First loss for back-up goalie Ray Emery.
- First back-to-back losses for the Senators this season.
- Lowest shot total by Ottawa this season (21).
The Flames probably took advantage of a tired Senators squad, a consequence of their SO loss against the Canucks the night before. It is significant, however, that Calgary was able to TAKE ADVANTAGE. In addition, both teams were missing some key bodies from the line-up: Redden and Havlat for Ottawa and Hamrlik and Lombardi for Calgary. Top defensmen and 2nd liners for both teams (granted, Havlat would be a first liner on most other teams).
I have to say that Marchment was surprisingly good in his role as 6th d-man last Saturday. He was steady and dependable. In fact, considering their thin blueline, Im rather surprised that Toronto let "Mush" go at the start of the season. Oh well. Our gain and all that.
Anyways, the P&N lists:
Positives:
- Defeat the mighty Ottawa Senators. See above for other notables regarding this feat.
- Decent PK. High powered senators manage only 1 PP goal on 8 attempts.
- Shean Donovan. That's right, he's in the "positives" section. Incredible pass to set-up the tying goal. Probably his best game of the year.
- Damond Langkow. The hottest flame right now. Only 5 points behind Jarome Iginla for team lead. Scored his 4th GWG.
- Bryan Marchment. Stepped into the line-up without missing a beat.
- Tony Amonte. Scores 400th career goal to tie the game.
- Outshoot the Senators 11-2 in the 3rd period.
Negatives:
- 8 Penalties taken. Continue to take too many penalties on a nightly basis.
- Lacklustre 2nd period. Couldn't get much of anything going in the 2nd frame. Had me thinking we were out of it.
- PP fails again. 0-5.
That's about it, I think. I recorded the game and am going to watch it again tonight. On saturday I watched the contest at a downtown pub with some friends...my enjoyment of the game was therefore sullied by drunken and obnoxious pub denizens and endless juke-box tunes. Not to mention uncomfortable and inconvenient seating. Oh well. It was almost worth sharing the game winning cheer with the gathered crowd when Langkow scored in overtime. Almost.
Next up...a much needed week off and then a date with the Bruins.
