Not too much to say about tonight. Flames are the better team on paper, though there isn't much separating the two clubs statistically as of right now. Both have a negative GD, neither has overly impressive special teams.
Good news - Jarome broke out last game and he almost always kicks the crap out of Phoenix. In fact, I believe his first career four goal game came against this team (well...not this team, but this Franchise).
In addition, Miikka Kiprusoff has put together two straight solid performances. Yay! It would make sense to put the kid in tonight, considering Kipper has played 7 straight and the quality of the competition, but we all know that isn't going to happen now that it seems like he's on a roll.
Bad news - Matthew Lombardi won't be in the line-up tonight, still suffering from an "upper body injury" due to a collision with Arnott the other night.
I dont know what that will do to the line combinations, although Im hoping to see Boyd move up into the top 6 in Lombo's absence. That will also mean that one of Nystrom or Roy will be drawing in this evening (probably Roy considering the Coyotes puglisit packed roster).
Also, the Flames are currently the most penalized team in the league, averaging 23.7 PIM/game (!). I looked at penalty differentials this summer and decided that the Flames could improve their ST output this season by becoming more disciplined (ie; taking less penalties than they draw). Clearly that hasn't happened yet. Luckily, there are some very easy ways for the club to cut down on their PIM going forward:
1.) Stop retaliating to big hits.
If a guy cheap-shots Iginla, or elbows Boyd or runs Kipper or hits Flame player X from behind, then sure...take offense, grab the offender and feed him some knuckle justice. But jumping guys after big, clean hits is just landing the team in penalty trouble. Cut it out. Im looking at you, Bourque and Prust.
2.) Cut down on the stupid minors already. Calgary has 47 minor penalties in 7 games played thus far.
In Edmonton, Bertuzzi was penalized for sticking out his foot and tripping some random Oiler in the neutral zone. The puck wasn't anywhere near the play. It was a needless act and stupid move, especially when you're, you know, Todd Bertuzzi and have a giant, glowing "watch me" sign buzzing above your head all game.
Craig Conroy has also been up to his old tricks so far, managing five minors. He became famous for taking needless stick penalties (hooking, high sticking) at the most inopportune times last season and has continued that bad habit this year. He couldn't seem to help it last year, so we might be stuck with that again this year.
Im hoping the boys smarten up, although it probably wont happen tonight. A team featuring Carcillo, Fedoruk, McGrattan, Jovonovski and Doan is built to evoke penalties.
Prediction - Jarome shows up again. Flames 3, Coyotes 1. Iginla (2) and Boyd for Calgary. Jokinen for Phoenix.
Go Flames!
