That was an unpleasant weekend.
Calgary went oh-fer during their little excursion, getting outscored 9-2 in the process. Kipper has now allowed 16 goals against in his last 3 games and the ES play of the top guns still looks like garbage.
That said, the club played 3 games in 4 nights and apparently was stricken by the flu (again). Im hoping that's why Jarome Iginla had perhaps the worst game I've ever seen him play last night. "Grossly ineffectual" doesn't begin to describe his performance for anyone who missed it. Either he was sick and tired...or had a broken foot and a hang-over. Yeesh.
Not that he was alone. Aside from some shifts by Moss, Boyd and Langkow (the first two together, the last one alone), Calgary was completely outclassed at every turn by the Blackhawks. Some credit should be given to the opposition last night as well...I was very impressed with their speed, puck control and overall cohesion. Chicago pressured Calgary relentelessly whenever the Flames had the puck (which wasn't often) and controlled the flow of play with relative ease whenever they had possession. There was something faintly Red Wingish to the 'Hawks game last night, which is hefty praise for a team that missed the play-offs last year and whos average age is around 26. If Havlat stays healthy, these guys will be in the running come April. Maybe even if he doesn't - Toews broke the goose egg last night and is bound to start putting up points at a rapid pace.
Of note, Jim Vandermeer only played 8 minutes last night due to an injury. No word on whether he's out indefinitely or it was just a "stinger".
