Last entry I declared that I would be satisfied with the Flames play if:
Flames forwards scored (more than 2).
Iginla played well, and...
Ference and Warrener didn't screw up big.
Seeing that Flames forwards actually managed 3 goals (wonder of wonders) and two of them were by Iginla, I can safely say Im satisfied. Add the fact that Ference and Warrener weren't on the ice for the GWG against and that makes it nearly a total sweep of my high expectations.
Yes, the game went pretty well. How much of that had to do with the Blues being tired (as well as undermanned) can't really be determined. Considering that the Flames typically don't take advantage of such circumstances leads me to believe it was, at least a little, thanks to a decent Calgary effort. The Flames actually managed to generate quality scoring chances for a large portion of the game to compliment their stingy defensive effort. The result was never really in doubt, 3rd period goals and 2 goal-lead curses aside.
My only minor complaint is an old one - no killer instinct. Multiple early powerplays and odd-man rushes and the Flames only lead by 2 (where they could have been leading by 5) after the second. Is it really too much to ask for one (1!) blow-out this year?? Oh well. A win is a win.
On another note, and perhaps this is my Flames bias talking, but the officiating last night was nothing short of terrible. Calgary had 5 powerplays, the last of which came at the start of the 2nd period. The Blues were granted 7 powerplays (even though they were clearly tired, outplayed and outclassed most of the night), half the time on trivial or phantom calls. In the third period the difference was especially blatant - the Blues were hooking and interfering with any Calgary player that crossed their blueline without reprecussion. The Flames were called on anything that appeared to be akin to interference. In fact, the Blues were granted 6 straight powerplays after Calgary went up 2-0. It was quite the outburst of dubious officiating. Oh well. We still won I guess...
Positives:
- Finally win a "should-win" game. Reclaim NW division lead.
- Penalty Killing. Killed off all 7 penalties against.
- Jordan Leopold. I dont know if he's making a bid to remain a Flame or not, but Leo had his best game of the season. 4 hits and 5 shots, he was all over the ice at both ends. Came within inches of finally scoring.
- Jarome Iginla. Two goals, including the game winner, and a fight. Iginla was finally the first star of a game and he deserved it.
- Mike Leclerc. Im still not sold on him being on the first line, but he did some good work last night. Set-up both of Iginla's goals.
- Miika Kiprusoff. Solid again. First goalie to win 30 games this year.
- Cale Hulse. Nothing fancy and will be maligned for getting 3 penalties (2 of which were borderline calls, at best). Seemed solid enough and looks to be an excellent depth pick-up.
- Tony Amonte. Tenacious on the forecheck and penalty-kill.
- Beetlejuice. Nothing on the scoresheet for Hussy, but he still looks crafty and dangerous out there. hit another post last night.
Negatives:
- Allow the Blues to stay in it till the end, despite outplaying them badly.
- Officiating. Yikes. One of the worst so far this year.
- Another injury. PK warrior Yelle was felled while blocking a shot. No word on the extent of the injury yet.
Next up - Saturday Night Sharks.
