"When Billy Batson speaks the name of an ancient wizard,
he is magically transformed from boy to man
-- the world's mightiest mortal!"
If you're old enough or nerdy enough you probably remember the ill-conceived comic book "SHAZAM!". If you're unfamiliar, "SHAZAM!" was the "magical proclamation" Billy Baston (one of the umpteen Superman rip-offs created over the years) used to become "Captain Marvel" - which was basically Clark Kent with a lightning bolt on his chest (or bulging swimsuit as it were).
I was reminded of this campy old comic character by Chuck Kobasew on Friday night. To me, Charles seemed to have magically transformed from boy to man - from punching bag to pugnacious thug. I mean, he almost singlehandedly beat the Red Wings into submission. Besides his 2 assists, Kobasew co-lead the team in hits with 4 and was a constant offensive presence on the ice. I think it's safe to say Charles had the game of his life (including his hat-trick last year). I don't know whether it was a magic phrase, a twist of psychology or some steroid induced psychotic-rage that created the Charles of Friday night, but I liked it. A lot. Here's hoping Kobasew doesn't revert back to a his pre-Detroit self anytime soon.
Not that Kobasew had the only noteworthy performance of the evening. Both of Calgary's top two lines were constant threats to score. Huselius got his 4th goal in 5 games. The PP actually scored 3 times, capped by Phaneuf's sniper-like, top-corner shot in the 3rd period. Kipper was 40 seconds away from being unbeatable again and Regehr was plastering guys left and right. Overall, the triumph over the Red Wings was the most complete 60 minutes of hockey put in by the Flames to date...
Other accomplishments worth noting include Calgary's continued ES shut-out streak. I think the last team to score on the Flames at 5on5 was St. Louis way back when - and that was just as Regehr had stepped back onto the ice after serving 2 minutes. Which makes it more than 5 games and counting since any opposition has managed to score on Kipper at even-up. Five games! Consider that Anaheim, Dallas and Detroit were among the visitors to the Dome during that stretch. Talk about a reversal of fortunes since I wrote this Chicken Little post (Which was, ironically, the review of the last Flames/Red Wings game). After Detroit's loss to Edmonton, Calgary now sits first overall in terms of GA at ES and 4th overall in terms of total GA/G.
Whew. Imagine if the PK was up to snuff!
Personally, I can't wait for the next installment of the Battle of Alberta. Both teams seemed to have found their winning ways, so tomorrow's should be a titanic struggle. Considering Calgary's most recent performances, I like our chances. Especially if Kobasew can SHAZAM! his way back onto the scoresheet.
