The Calgary Flames got 10 shots on net in game 4. Ten. That's 5 less than the previous franchise low for a play-off game. Of course, they also managed to put 13 pucks wide and have another 15 blocked. That means Nabby was forced to make a play on less than one third (10/38) of the total shots the Flames directed at the net. In contrast, the Sharks got 32 of a possible 57 shots on Kipper (56%), thus the giant discrepancy.
Perhaps what's most galling is the shot count isn't indicative of the play. San Jose certainly took over at the end of the third, but the Flames had a fair share of opportunities themselves - The Conroy 2on1, the Iggy-Juice-Langkow 3on1, 4 different PPs. Here's the problem, though: the Flames generated just a single shot from those 3 scenarios. One! Normally you're doing something wrong if you only get a lone GOAL from a couple of odd-man breaks and 4 PP chances...to say nothing of managing just a shot on net. Ugh!
Anyways, it should go without saying that the Flames can't pull the same shit tonight. Look fellas - shoot it at Nabokov's chest if you have to. At least make him make a save, even if it's an easy one.
Tell you what, let's set-up a simple punishment system: If a forward like Conroy, for instance, shoots it wide (and out of zone) on a 2on1 again (or in the slot, at the top of the circle, etc.), I say let Godard get two free shots at his exposed scrotum during the intermission. That should act as ample deterrent for Connie and crew and at least make Eric* somewhat useful for a change.
*(this rule should NOT apply to Godard himself as it tends to be difficult to convince a man to punch himself in the sack. Also, the fact that Godard is in the offensive end and taking any sort of shot at all should be celebrated and rewarded).
Prediction - The Godard deterrent works. Flames take some shots - and score. Calgary 3, Sharks 2. Iginla, Huselius and Nolan for Calgary. The irrepressible Ryan Clowe (X2) for San Jose.
PS - Vic Ferrari offers some actual analysis, confirming my annoyance re: Keenan getting away from the Conroy/Tanguay/Iginla vs. Thornton match-up that seemed to work so well in game 3.
