Thanks to the Flames being ignored in favor of the two debacles that occured on Satruday, I have no primary information on their 4-1 victory. I do know, however, that the GWG was kicked in and shouldn't have counted. I know Regehr flipped Kotalik into the bench with a brutal check. I know Huselius and Phaneuf increased their impressive First-year-Flame-point-totals and I know Calgary is unbeaten in 3. Some friends of mine attended the game and reported that it was an overall impressive and rather dominating performance by the hometown team...Iginla was apparently quite the force, although his contributions didn't turn up on the scoresheet.
The last 3 wins have been welcome medicine after the short-lived illness that was our Eastern American roadtrip. Not only has Calgary returned to form defensively, allowing a mere 4 goals against in 4 games, but we've also been treated to (what seems to be) Iginla's return to form.
Of course, none of these things bode well for the Oilers, who host Calgary at Rexall place tonight. Edmonton has lost 4 of their 5 games, largely due to inconsistent team efforts (and, of course, questionable goaltending at times). Currently, the two teams are seperated by 5 points in the NW division - the Flames are tied for first with Vancouver at 61 points, while the Oilers sit in 4th spot with 56. Questions surrounding this evening's contest include whether or not Roman Hamrlik will make his return to the line-up and who will be the starting goalie in the revolving door that is the Oiler's crease. Place your bets on Morrison, although Jussi Rebounds is also a strong possibility. 50:1 odds on Conklin starting, though the odds are 1:50 that he gets pulled should the former prove true.
Personally, I think the Flames are gonna take this one. They have several of their superstars in top form (Kipper, Iggy) and several other players contributing consistently (Amonte, Huselius, Phaneuf). On the other hand, Edmonton is currently struggling with confidence and goalie issues. Whatever the result, I've no doubt the game will be an entertaining one.
Now the Gameday Threat - "WIN FLAMES. OR YOU SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE CONSERVATIVES DREADED 'HIDDEN AGENDA'."
