Not much to say about this one, really. Played well, got a point, coulda won...
As expected, the Detroit game was as close as they come. Low scoring, but with lots of scoring chances and anxiety producing moments, last nights contest resembled a play-off match in many ways.
Besides, of course, the shoot-out.
I think Calgary played a decent game - they generated a lot of scoring chances and held a high powered opponent to a single goal. After so many games recently and with so many injured, I think garnering a point against the #1 team in the league is nothing to sneeze at...
Positives:
- Dion Phaneuf scores his 18th goal, tying Gary Suter for the Flame's franchise record for goals by a rookie defenseman. Kudos!
- Jarome Iginla. Lands on both lists today. Was Calgary's most dangerous forward and killed penalties with a fury. Collected 6 shots on goal and 26+ minutes of ice!
- Penlaty Kill. Held the #1 powerplay in the NHL off the scoresheet.
- Miikka Kiprusoff. Simply outstanding. His repeated stoning of Henrik Zetterberg was something to behold. If only he was better in shoot-outs (not that that will matter in about 3 weeks).
- Mush and Hulse. More props for the two stand-ins. Still no royal screw-ups.
- Chuck Kobasew. Fast and aggressive all night. It was the Lombo/Kobasew/Amonte line that established the tenacious forecheck that lead to Calgary's only goal.
Negatives:
- Shooting blanks. Only one goal for on Detroit's back-up goalie.
- Powerplay. Went 0 for 6. Looked less than organized most of the time.
- Jarome Iginla. Had a good game what would have been a GREAT game had he capitalized on just one of his numerous good scoring chances.
- Andrew Ference. Back in the negatives. Author of several bad give-aways, including one in overtime that lead to his hooking penalty. Looked very much like a 6th defenseman pressed into 2nd defenseman duties. Come back quick Leo!
- Flames and the shoot-out. We just plain suck at them all around.
Next up...the Rhino 'Yotes!
