They pulled one out of their ass last night against the Kings, mainly on the back of Kipper (yay!) and the fourth line (never thought I'd say that), but that isn't going to happen tonight.
But first, thoughts on the Kings game:
The Flames fans and coaching staff is only now beginning to realize the value of rolling 4 competent lines I think. The pluggers have thus far justified my indictments of Godard and the hired goon in general. Kudos to Primeau who is looking like an actual NHL caliber hockey player for the first time in more than a year.
I'll have to say, though, that the top line can't continue to be as dreadful as it has been recently. Iginla isn't looking that hot and he's dragging around a couple of anchors at ES besides (Conroy, Bertuzzi). If Connie absolutely has to be on with Jarome by some heavenly edict, then at least give that duo a competent winger (Bourque, Cammalleri).
Bertuzzi made two brilliant passes last night, including the primary assist on Langkow's game winner. Besides that, though, he was bunk. Bert is a detriment in his own end of the rink (exemplified by Drew Doughty making him look foolish on one particular play last night) and he spends a lot of time not doing anything in particular - besides look for low percentage plays - in the offensive end. it's no fluke that Sore Thumb is now a team low -7. He's dragging Jarome down with him and needs to be moved to a more sheltered line at 5on5.
Considering Cammalleri's production with limited ice so far (12 points in 16 minutes/night) it would make sense to promote Cammer and move Bert back to play with Langkow and Bourque.
Pre Game
As for the Ducks, they're only the hottest team (offensively speaking) in the entire NHL right now. Perry and Getzlaf have exploded after early struggles, both garnering 12 and 11 points in their last five games. That ageless wonder Selanne has also started scoring again; he's been deadly on the PP with Perry and Getzlaf feeding him.
Calgary is facing a vastly superior club on the second of back-to-back nights with probably their worst performance during the last 5 games under their belt.
As such, It does not look good for the streak continuing this evening. CuMac may get the call tonight, considering Kipper is the only goalie in the league to play in all 11 games, and was peppered with 36 shots against on Saturday (guys gotta rest at some point), which further decreases the chances of victory.
That said, it's been a good run.
Prediction - Ducks 5, Flames 3. Perry, Selanne (2), Pronger and Neidermayer for Anaheim. Langkow, Phaneuf and Bourque for Calgary.
