After the paper-cut-across-the-eye loss to the BJ's on Friday night, the Flames predictably ended their 7 game roadtrip with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Stars.
And with the defeat came the sober realization that garnering 5 points from a possible 14 is a pretty good way to play yourself back into the fearful, brutal, street-fight that is the Western Conference Play-off race...
But first, lets narrow the focus:
Calgary played alright in Dallas, considering how tired and beat up they probably all were. Of course, they managed to make 2 very stupid decisions that resulted in the puck ending up their net (Short-handed goal against, 2on1 thanks to an ill-advised neutral zone pinch). In addition, the offense was limited to 2 powerplay goals, despite the fact the Flames were granted 11 PP chances on the afternoon, including an extended 5on3. While the PP did manage to score a couple, it is that Calgary shot blanks when the game was on the line which is the most lamentable part of the loss, I think.
In addition, it looks like Calgary is going to lose the services of Marcus Nilson for quite some time thanks to a knee-on-knee collision with Brendan Morrow. With the Flames now fighting for their play-off lives, it's hardly the best time to lose the team's +/- leader. Arrgggh.
The singular particle of good news is - the road trip's over. And the Flames are a far superior team at home. And, for rest of the season, they're going to have to be.
Positives:
- Jamie Lundmark. Scored a powerplay goal and nearly scored another, but was robbed by Turco. Was 66% in the face-off circle again. I didn't have many expectations of Lundmark when he was acquired, so his play has been a pleasant surprise.
- Jordan Leopold. At this point in the season, when a lot of players seem to be giving into fatigue, Leopold has risen his game to a new level. Another 2 points last night, including his second goal of the season. Easily one of the best blueliners for the Flames right now.
- Limited Dallas to 23 shots, despite killing 8 penalties.
Negatives:
- Lack of offense. 11 powerplays should translate to more than 2 goals. Calgary's primary offensive trio (Iginla, Langkow, Huselius) haven't done a whole lot recently.
- Dion Phaneuf. I think the long grind is starting to get to the Dion because, well, he's been pretty bad of late. He was the cause of the SH-GWG goal against in Minnesota, the GWG goal against in Columbus, and was on for the SH goal against yesterday in Dallas. In addition, the only scoresheet contributions he's been making recently have been penalties.
- Andrew Ference. My favorite punching bag. Stands around as Kapanen scores the shorthanded goal and then watches as Arnott slips the puck in the net for the GWG. Got some PP time yesterday and looked lost and useless. He's a team low -13.
- Matthew Lombardi. Doesn't make a dent in his return to the line-up.
- Jarome Iginla. Another 1-goal loss, another game where Iginla fails to tickle the twine. Scored all of once during the entire 7 game roadtrip.
- Officiating. An incredible 28 penalties were called on the night. Many were deserved, many were nominal. It was the first time I've ever seen three seperate "unsportsmanlike conduct" penalties called in a single contest.
- Tony Amonte. I honestly can't remember the last time this guy scored a goal.
Next up...roadtrip Post-Mortem + a look at the Flames play-off berth chances.
