Flames get a chance to get back on the horse tonight. Three changes that might make the difference:1.) More discipline/less "colorful officiating" -
Im not going to point the finger at the referees from last night, but 6 straight PPs for one team is a rare occurrence whether all of the infractions were deserved or not. If the pendulum swings back the other way this evening, the Flames currently terrible PK won't be so exposed.
2.) A more effective Jarome Iginla.
When both of the Flames marquee difference makers are mediocre (or worse), there's little to seperate the two Albertan clubs. Obviously Kipper has been double plus bad so far, but not much has been said about Jarome who has also been thoroughly ordinary through the first four games. The Western Conferences reigning points champion has just 2 through four games (both coming in the Colorado victory) and only one point (and assist) in 63 minutes of ES ice. That's abysmal by most standards, but particularly bad for a proven ES contributor like Iginla. There's no reason to assume he'll break out of his funk tonight, but it's bound to happen sooner or later.
3.) Curtis MceLhinney in net.
I dont know if this is going to happen for sure - but putting the kid in would only make sense. Kiprusoff has allowed four or more goals in each of the first four games and has a sub-.850 SV%. Beyond the fact that MceLhinney can't possibly be any worse than Kipper has been, this match is the second of a back-to-back, so you might as well rest the embattled starter anyways.
In addition, a night of Curtis in net might give us some indication how much the goalie is determing the terrible defensive results thus far. If McelHinney can win and/or keep the Oilers to four or under, it may indicate that Kipper is the fly in the ointment. If the team gets lit-up again, then other personnel questions will have to be asked (from Keenan to Playfair to the blueline, etc).
Prediction - Uhhh...lots of fights?
Go Flames!
