Last night's loss to the Oilers sure was a stomach-turner. I can't remember the last time this Sutter-coached version of the Flames relinquished two 2 goal leads in a game...especially with Kipper in net. Of course, it would have to be on the day I post an entry commending Miikka on his outstanding play that he turns in a decidedly ordinary performance. Conversely, Iggy did the same, thereby making my last post look at least half right...
Kudos and plentiful congratulations should be heaped upon the Oil stains for their gritty, never quit performance last night. Jeers and contempt-filled boos should be heaped upon the Flames for the lax defensive zone game - filled with much standing still and puck watching. I believe the last contest the Flames did their best "stunned observers" impression was the loss against Chicago. In similar fashion to last night's set-back, Calgary staked out an early lead and then spent the rest of the contest sleep-walking around their own zone. Im hoping, like the Chicago game, Calgary can get it back on track again right away...
Positives:
- Scored 4 goals. Rare... so even in a loss, it's a notable achievement.
- Huselius with another 2 points, including his first goal as a Flame.
- Lombardi. Looked confident and dangerous in the offensive zone. The Amonte-Lombardi-Kobasew line seemed to be the only combination that could do anything of note in the 3rd period.
Negatives:
- Lose to the Oilers. Even though we had multiple 2 goal leads in the game. Now tied for 2nd in the NW division with Edmonton and fall 2 back of Vancouver.
- Defensive play - team. The Flames look baffled and lost in their own end last night. They backed into their goalie too quickly and they lost their defensive assignments too easily. I was heard yelling "STOP STANDING AROUND!" at least a dozen times last night.
- Defensive play - Ference/Warrener. Ference has had a strong few weeks of play, so I've been kind to him. But, let's be candid, he was brutal last night. As was his partner, the usually dependable Rhett Warrener. The tandem was on the ice for 3 of the Oilers 5 goals, including the game winner. I was distraught to see them out there with the game tied and a minute left...and it turns out I was right to be.
- Kiprusoff. Wasn't bad, but certainly wasn't good by his standards. Probably 2 of the Oilers goal were pretty stoppable pucks. Igor Ulanov had his first 2 goal game of his career...that about says it all I'd say.
- Jarome Iginla. Got a nice assist on the Langkow goal, but was invisible when the game was on the line in the third. Was caught puck-watching on the game winning goal. Still not a dominating force.
Let me end there by saying: I hope this is the last time Calgary chases a starting goalie from the opposition's net and LOSES. Next up - Conroy's return!
