I wasn't yet a teenager when the Flames won the Stanley cup in '89. But my primary memory of Mikey Vee comes from that glorious and singular cup run...
Despite being the overwhelming favorite going into the first round against the Canucks, the Flames were pushed to the brink by the Vancouverites - OT, game 7. While the stats will tell you that a Joel Otto goal was the game winner for Calgary, it was actually the (g)lovely heroics of one Mike Vernon that ensured the Flames would move onto the next round, and, eventually, the cup. His most memorable stop came against Stan Smyl, while Matt mentions another one in his gameday preview. For my part, I also recall an astonishing toe-save on a one-timer by some nameless Canuck player.
Quite the performance, to say the least. It was that, and no doubt the fact that he was the 'tender during the Edmonton Oiler's spiritual de-pansting in '86, that most likely cemented his identity as a Flames Legend.
As an added bonus, here's Vernon pounding on that arrogant prat, Patrick Roy. He wasn't a Flame at the time, but it's worth a view anyways. Who doesn't like bench-clearing brawls (or beating up Roy, for that matter)?
As for tonight, I think the only danger lurking in the impending contest with the 'Hawks is lack of motivation. Consider the equation:
(Last game before a roadtrip + previous game being a big win + crappy opponent) X (pomp and circumstance of jersey retirement) = lack of focus.
Course, the Flames haven't lost in their own barn in months (if you exclude Vancouver), so it's hard to bet against them this evening even with all the psychological brick-a-brack clouding the issue. Calgary's beaten up on their last 3 opponents by a combined score of 14-7 and it actually looks like the special teams are starting to come around.
The other, other bad news? The infirmary is full to bursting. Again. Yelle, Warrener, Kobasew, McCarty (of course) are all hurt, meaning Andrea, Ritchie and Ference will be back in the line-up tonight. Luckily the game's in the Dome, meaning Playfair can do all he can to avoid Havlat playing against Susan too frequently.
Crappy situational adversity aside, I think the Flames take this one. Let's say, 4-1. Iginla, Lombardi, Zyuzin and Langkow for Calgary (Juice gets 2 assists to extend his point streak). Havlat for the Hawks.
GO FLAMES!
