- The stars are the hottest team in the NHL, winning 9 of their last 10. They have the 2nd most points in the league behind Detroit and a GD of +28.
- The Flames were one of those recent 9 victories. The funny thing is it was probably one Calgary's better efforts of the season. The stars won thanks to 2 really improbable goals and inhuman goaltending from Marty Turco (who's back in net tonight). In fact, that defeat was the beginning of this little plunge into suckitude by Calgary. It would be fitting if the climb back to respectability could start tonight in Dallas.
- Dion Phaneuf has been outstanding recently. He has 10 points in his last 7 games, including 6 goals, giving him 44 points on the season. Last night, he beat up Shane Doan in the first 2 minutes of play and was on the ice for all 4 goals for, including the game winner (which he scored). He's now on pace to finish with 60 points, his best season ever.
- The big guns looked consistently dangerous last night for the first time since...the last Dallas game actually. Iginla scored twice, but probably could have had 4. Huselius also narrowly missed potting a couple. A return to form by the offensive difference makers would go a long way to getting this club back on track (and further away from the dreaded 8th place finish).
- Matthew Lombardi has quietly put together some pretty decent games recently with Stephane Yelle and Moss/Primeau. The results haven't shown up on the scoresheet, but to my eye that line finally looks like it's playing it's opposition to evens (or perhaps out-shooting them) regularly. Lombo in particular also seems to be drawing a lot of penalties.
- Speaking of which: Sarich needs to stop a taking a minor penalty per game. He's one of the top PIM getters on the Flames and it limits his effectiveness as a shut-down guy.
- Kipper or CuJo tonight? Kipper, of course. Im surprised Curtis didn't play last night, but when your team is desperate for every point it can get...
- I hope Eriksson is scratched again. Warrener scares me to death half the time, but at least he's limited to the 3rd pairing when he draws in, unlike Bubba.
- Finally, a query: what will happen first? Kipper gets a shut-out or David Hale scores a goal?
Late night arrival and back to back games and all that. I'll be happy (and surprised) if the Calgary manages a point against a very strong opponent tonight.
Go Flames
