As we draw closer to the end of the regular season, unless you’re an Edmonton Oiler fan, every game becomes more important. Of course, games matter little to Edmonton, because they aren’t going to make the playoffs. I am well aware that everyone knows this, but I just like seeing it in writing. So, now that we have the obligatory ‘trash the losers from Garbagetown’ out of the way, let’s go back to the NHL near the end of the season.
Basically, it breaks down as a pretty simple equation:
Making the playoffs = Teams need points.
Points = Wins
So, what have we learned boys and girls? Teams need to win more games than they lose in order to be among the teams blessed with a chance to make a run for Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Now that we have completed ‘How to make the playoffs 101’ let’s have a look at tonight’s game. The Flames are in desperate need of a road win, and tonight is the night - I guarantee it. Why am I so confident you may ask? Well, if you keep reading, I will tell you...
Tonight the Flames are in Phoenix to play the abysmal Coyotes. The Desert Dogs are currently in 12th in the West, and they aren’t going to make the playoff this year. Just like Edmonton. This information can be translated into two important facts;
1. The Coyotes aren’t that good. If they were, they would in a position to make the playoffs. Wayne and the boys now have license to give some new ideas and players a whirl. They aren’t in it, so why not give some young lads a chance to show what they can do? Why not try some new things on the PP, see if you can improve on 28th overall?
2. Now I know guys like Doan are going to compete hard every-night, but let’s face facts; the Coyotes are a team that has nothing to gain out of tonight’s game, nothing except a paycheck. For our home-town heros however, tonight’s game is MASSIVE.
We need to win on the road, and it has to start tonight. I figure that in order to win a hockey game there are at least three things that need to happen and today, when the Flames do these three things, it will mean victory for us (and another confused angry look from Wayne).
1. Have an energetic, consistent forecheck. In the last couple of games, 90% of our forecheck looked like my aunt Mildred racing my 2 year old nephew for the last of the Chewy Chips A’hoy. We were always represented by aunt Mildred. Our team is one that survives and thrives on feisty play and finishing our checks. If we can set the tone in the offensive zone, it will go a long way for us winning tonight’s contest.
2. Give Mighty Miikka a rest. Now don’t get me wrong, Kipper is the best goalie in the world, but everyone needs some time off now and then. Lately, he has looked downright normal, and that does not bode well for the Flames. Give him tonight off, let him sit on the bench and smoke hundreds of cigarettes until he can refocus and find his confidence once again.
3. Actually play defense in our own zone. Lately, we have looked like a bunch of middle aged, out-of-shape bankers 5 minutes from the end of a shinny game in our end. Too tired to put in an effort to get the puck, and when by luck it ends up on one of our sticks, we make a weak-ass clearing attempt. We actually have to fight for, and win a puck battle in our zone. Then, we need to make a smart pass and start a break out. We simply cannot afford to have the puck stay in our zone for minutes at a time.
3 Recent Positives and 3 Predictions:
Jarome’s last game was as well as I have seen him play this year, and tonight, I have a feeling that he is going to go over the 30 goal mark. In fact, no Flame has recorded a hat-trick yet this season, and tonight is going to be Iggy’s night. As a side note, for the first time in what seems like forever, someone is actually challenging Iggy for the Flames lead in goals; his name is Beetlejuice (sort of). Juice seems to be working his way back into his point streak form, and I think he will have a solid game this evening, setting up at least one of Iggy’s goals. Last game he took more shots than I can ever remember, and I think he is good for another goal in the upcoming game. Juice has had flashes of brilliance, and against a weak Coyotes defense, I think he will have lots of room on the ice to make people look stupid.
I have also been pleasantly surprised with the solid play of Primeau. Two games ago he drew three different penalties, and has been a much needed spark on our third line. Tonight not only will he provide some jump to the game, but he will drop the gloves for the second time as a Flame.
As I have said, I guarantee we defeat the flea infested puppies from Arizona. In fact, it’s not even going to be close.
Final score tonight is 6-2 Flames. Iggy (3), Huselius, Langkow and Regehr for Calgary. Doan (2) for the Coyotes.
3 Recent Positives and 3 Predictions:
Jarome’s last game was as well as I have seen him play this year, and tonight, I have a feeling that he is going to go over the 30 goal mark. In fact, no Flame has recorded a hat-trick yet this season, and tonight is going to be Iggy’s night. As a side note, for the first time in what seems like forever, someone is actually challenging Iggy for the Flames lead in goals; his name is Beetlejuice (sort of). Juice seems to be working his way back into his point streak form, and I think he will have a solid game this evening, setting up at least one of Iggy’s goals. Last game he took more shots than I can ever remember, and I think he is good for another goal in the upcoming game. Juice has had flashes of brilliance, and against a weak Coyotes defense, I think he will have lots of room on the ice to make people look stupid.
I have also been pleasantly surprised with the solid play of Primeau. Two games ago he drew three different penalties, and has been a much needed spark on our third line. Tonight not only will he provide some jump to the game, but he will drop the gloves for the second time as a Flame.
As I have said, I guarantee we defeat the flea infested puppies from Arizona. In fact, it’s not even going to be close.
Final score tonight is 6-2 Flames. Iggy (3), Huselius, Langkow and Regehr for Calgary. Doan (2) for the Coyotes.
