Besides the usual warm fuzzies that accompany a win, the Flame's also managed to hit a number of significant milestones yesterday:
- The Dion scored his 19th goal of the season, surpassing the previous franchise record for goals by a rookie defensemen set by Gary Suter.
- Kipper tied (with Vernon) the franchise record for wins by goalie in a single season (39).
- Beetlejuice recorded his 46th point of the season, besting his previous personal high of 45 (2001-2002 season). This despite having scored only 8 points in the first 24 games with Florida this year.
- The Flames garnered their 95th point of the year, beating last season's 94 point total with 6 games to play.
- And, not insignificantly, finally won a contest while I was in the 'Dome. It's been a LONG time.
Yup, this most recent victory was a beauty all around. I haven't even mentioned yet that with the Av's losing to the Sharks last night, Calgary stands 5 points clear for the NW division and the Canucks are currently outside of the play-off picture!
Don't wake me up if Im dreaming.
Positives:
- The offensive re-awakening continues. Another 3 goal win, another 3+ goal night. Calgary has managed to score 16 goals in their past 4 games.
- Powerplay. 3 for 8 on the evening. An added bonus - the PP actually looked like an NHL caliber unit against the unfortunate Coyotes. Also, all three goals were beauties (Phaneuf from the point, Iginla one-timer, Huselius/Langkow 2 on 1).
- Basically a lock to make the play-offs barring some total collapse by Calgary in concert with some incredibly improbable run by the Canucks or Sharks.
- Calgary's first line. The trio of Iginla, Huselius and Langkow looked downright dangerous last night. Langkow had an excellent game all around (2 assists) and has quietly gathered 12 points in his last 11 games.
- Dion Phaneuf. Pastes that pest Nash and scores another PP goal. Not to mention the record setting stuff.
- Miikka Kiprusoff. Wasn't terribly busy all night, but made one or two incredible saves at key times in the game.
- Deny Sauve and Rhino any kind of satisfaction by convincingly beating up on their new team.
- Andrew Ference. No major gaffes this night out and he stepped up in the third so Leo could rest his ailing groin.
Negatives:
- Penalty Killing. 2 for 6 on the night. Lombardi looked like a chicken with his head cut-off as the lone forward on the Coyotes 5 on 3 advantage.
- More injuries!! Kobasew didn't return after the 1st period thanks to an apparent "groin strain" and Leopold didn't play the third. No word on how serious either situation is.
- Officiating. A very minor complaint, but the "tripping" call on Phaneuf in the first period was absurd. Reinprecht (the "victim" on the play) wasn't tripped in that he didn't even fall down!
- Shean Donovan. Actually played a decent game (scored the 4th goal). However, both 'Yotes goals were scored with him in the box thanks to two needless hooking infractions.
Gonna be hard to top this game, methinks...course, should the Flame's beat Vancouver Saturday night and basically eliminate them from the play-0ffs (again), it could very well happen
