Not having seen or heard the game last night, Im entirely ignorant as to how the Flames played. I know they won, of course. I also know they nearly flushed the 3 goal lead down the proverbial pooper, keeping in line with Calgary's "never beat teams by more than 2 goals" thing. But, a win is a win...
Of course, the Canucks and Oil both managed to win last night, creating another nightmarish logjam at the head of the NW Division. If Edmonton wins tonight, it'll create a 3-way tie for first between Calgary - Vancouver and the Oil. With Colorado 3 points back I think. What a mess.
(I wont point out that Calgary could have avoided this cluster-eff if they hadda played half decently during their recent roadtrip...)
Anyways, nice to see the Flames put 4 on the board last night. Especially from unlikely sources like Lombo and Simon. In terms of the latter, I think Calgary are something like 3-0 this year whenever Simon scores. Too bad it only happens every 19 games or so...
Also, congratulations to Robyn Regehr for a career high assist mark attained last night (3). It annoys me, however, that Robyn's personal milestone had to occur in concert with one of my fantasy pool rivals adding him to his roster. Boo!
But, Im glad the Flames are back in the win column and were able to rediscover the net. Next I'd like:
1.) Both the rest of the team AND Iginla to score in the same game.
2.) The Flames to win decidedly by several goals. No last minute heart-attack flurries or sudden comebacks by the opposition.
3.) The Oilers to either win or lose IN REGULATION. Damn these constant 3 point nights.
4.) San Jose and Florida to fall well out of playoff contention - so that they're more willing to trade their available centermen (Jokinen, Marleau) by the deadline.
5.) To see the film "Snakes on a Plane".
Now that San Jose has added some serious Salary to their pay-roll (Cheechoo and Nabokov), I think that #4(b) above becomes slightly more likely. I would argue that Marleau is most likely highly coveted by Sutter, and the Flames GM would pursue him aggresively should the Shark's forward become available.
And I wouldn't complain about that at all.
If it happens, look for the Sharks to ask for a defenseman (Leopold to replace the departed Stuart?) and a roster player + maybe a prospect or higher draft choice in return.
But...this is all rumor and wishful thinking right now. All will be answered after the Olympic break. Stay tuned...
