Well, if you're a Minnesota Wild player or fan.. you
Might think the Saddledome is cursed.
Calgary has won 4 of the 5 games so far this season,
3 of those match ups on home ice.
But more importantly..the Wild have lost 11 of the last
12 games between the two teams at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
Last nights game was no different..the Wild started with
The lead after scoring about 3 and a half min into the game.
But lost the lead early in the 2nd period, when Stephane
Yelle tied it up. Conroy would score in the 3rd period
To give the flames a 1 goal lead they'd hang onto long
Enough to win the game...but just BARELY...
So what makes the game interesting enough to write about??
lol...well a couple of rather odd occurrences would make
The fans laugh..and the Wild fans curse at the same time lol.
The first occurrences happened with about 6 min left in the
First period when Dion Phaneuf wired a shot from JUST outside
The Wild blue line. The shot..directed at Harding for
An attempt at a goal..would miss, and shatter the glass
Behind the net.
Ok.. so that wasn't so strange..
Well geez.. i'm not done YET.. ;)
6 min later as the buzzer would signal the end of the 1st..
Dion would try for one last fluke goal, wiring a shot from
Midpoint inside HIS OWN blue line at Harding, only to
Miss yet again, hit the fiberglass behind the net..and
Shattered it once again, two panes of glass, One Period.
Maybe..he figured he had something to prove after losing
The hardest shot at the flames super skills competition
The previous Sunday to Adrian Aucoin, and Jarome Iginla??
lol I don't know..but I do know the 2nd shot was about
150 shot that still managed to shatter the glass.
Needless to say..everyone was waiting for the glass trick lol.
However...There WAS a ummm..hat trick? or perhaps better
Called a Post trick to speak of..
Remember when I said the flames *just barely* hung onto
The lead? Wellll.....with a few min left in the game,
The flames on a bad change that nearly cost them, Harding
Passed the puck to Brent Burns sneaking up the opposite
Side of the ice from the changing flames..now Burns
Was a free and clear man..he WIRES a shot past kipper..
And Scores!!..umm...or did he? actually..though everyone
Thought at first he did, himself included..what he actually
Did, was complete the Triple post trick!!
The puck ricocheted off the first post TOO the other post
Then rolls back along the goal line to hit the first post again,
And stays OUT!!.
Courtesy of youtube
That..and Yelle scoring for his 2nd game in a row, made
For an interesting game to say the least ;)
It vaulted the Flames back into 1st place before the
All star break.
On a not so great note...Iginla was once again held off
The scoring sheet, for his longest scoring drought since
2005, currently 7 games.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Calgary Flames- A Year To Remember...
This season the Calgary flames had a questionable start at best,
But despite a start that left fans wondering at times if the flames
Would even make the playoffs..There have been some highlights in
The first half of the season I feel should not go unnoticed.
The first half of this season has been one for making History..
First we start with a rather odd, but still interesting stat.
An 86 year old record last set by the Ottawa Senators in 1921,
who broke their own previous record first set in 1918.
The most consecutive games in which a player scored two or more
Goals each game.
Calgary's first 7 games of the season did that, Daymond Langkow
Was responsible for 3 of those two goal games, Kristian Huselius
for two of them, Jarome Iginla had one, and Mathew Lombardi had one.
Secondly we go to Calgary Forward Owen Nolan reaching 1000 game
Milestone in his career, Making him the 220th NHL player to
Reach that goal.
Thirdly...
we have captain Jarome Iginla making flames History
By passing Al MacInnis's 803 games played in a Flames Jersey, Jarome now with 821.
This is the tribute video the played for him at his 804th game.
A true leader who plays with so much heart that he's won the heart
Of every flames fan.
Seeing as how he came to Calgary as the result of an unpopular trade
That sent Joe Nieuwendyk to Dallas, with 11th overall draft pick Iginla,
Paired with Corey Millen coming to Calgary, it was no small feat to prove himself.
It's amazing to think how many games he will have played by the time
His contract extension runs out in 6 more years.
Should he stay a flame..and stay healthy for the better part of
Those years, that will be a record likely to stand for
Decades to come.
And coming in 4th..
Amid one of the most successful road trips in NHL history, Calgary
Flames head coach Mike Keenan reached his own milestone with
600 wins under his belt. Only the 6th man ever to reach 600 wins
In their NHL coaching career.
Though with the flames next two wins as of todays date, Jan 7th..
He will pass Bryan Murray who has 607 wins, and be in 5th place
For all time wins.
Coming in 5th we have the flames becoming only the 4th team ever to
Win 6 consecutive games, a clean sweep in a single road trip.
First the Bruins in 71-72, then the Flyer's in 82-83, the Red Wings
In 01-02, now the Flames in 07-08.
So..despite allot of controversy concerning the flames start to the
Season, and their defensive play, even about goaltender Miikka Kipprusoff..
The flames have also had their share of memorable history making moments
That will stay with us long after we've forgotten about the first couple
Months of this seasons play.
With the season only half over..perhaps they're not done rewriting the
History books...
GO FLAMES GO!!!
But despite a start that left fans wondering at times if the flames
Would even make the playoffs..There have been some highlights in
The first half of the season I feel should not go unnoticed.
The first half of this season has been one for making History..
First we start with a rather odd, but still interesting stat.
An 86 year old record last set by the Ottawa Senators in 1921,
who broke their own previous record first set in 1918.
The most consecutive games in which a player scored two or more
Goals each game.
Calgary's first 7 games of the season did that, Daymond Langkow
Was responsible for 3 of those two goal games, Kristian Huselius
for two of them, Jarome Iginla had one, and Mathew Lombardi had one.
Secondly we go to Calgary Forward Owen Nolan reaching 1000 game
Milestone in his career, Making him the 220th NHL player to
Reach that goal.
Thirdly...
we have captain Jarome Iginla making flames History
By passing Al MacInnis's 803 games played in a Flames Jersey, Jarome now with 821.
This is the tribute video the played for him at his 804th game.
A true leader who plays with so much heart that he's won the heart
Of every flames fan.
Seeing as how he came to Calgary as the result of an unpopular trade
That sent Joe Nieuwendyk to Dallas, with 11th overall draft pick Iginla,
Paired with Corey Millen coming to Calgary, it was no small feat to prove himself.
It's amazing to think how many games he will have played by the time
His contract extension runs out in 6 more years.
Should he stay a flame..and stay healthy for the better part of
Those years, that will be a record likely to stand for
Decades to come.
And coming in 4th..
Amid one of the most successful road trips in NHL history, Calgary
Flames head coach Mike Keenan reached his own milestone with
600 wins under his belt. Only the 6th man ever to reach 600 wins
In their NHL coaching career.
Though with the flames next two wins as of todays date, Jan 7th..
He will pass Bryan Murray who has 607 wins, and be in 5th place
For all time wins.
Coming in 5th we have the flames becoming only the 4th team ever to
Win 6 consecutive games, a clean sweep in a single road trip.
First the Bruins in 71-72, then the Flyer's in 82-83, the Red Wings
In 01-02, now the Flames in 07-08.
So..despite allot of controversy concerning the flames start to the
Season, and their defensive play, even about goaltender Miikka Kipprusoff..
The flames have also had their share of memorable history making moments
That will stay with us long after we've forgotten about the first couple
Months of this seasons play.
With the season only half over..perhaps they're not done rewriting the
History books...
GO FLAMES GO!!!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Coughing Up The Puck!
Taking a look at the "D"
It's no secret that the Flames defense needs some serious work.
There's no sign of the incredible defense that took us to the
Stanley cup finals when Sutter was GM. The Defense that could
Hang onto a one goal lead with seeming ease at times.
Instead...we're giving up leads, and sometimes BIG leads after
Being up 3 or 4 goals on the opposing team.
Allot of difficulty clearing the puck out of our end, giving up
Great scoring chances, and far too many shots on goal.
It's no wonder Kippers averages for the year are way down in
Comparison to the last few seasons.
Even a great goalie will look bad in front of a constantly
Shoddy defense.
Personally, I am in HUGE favor of some defensive trades at or by
The trade deadline, and truthfully..would be rather upset if there
Were none.
Adrian Aucoin
7 goals, 15 assists, 22 pts and a +9.
Offensively Adrian's been a good acquisition for the team.
Even defensively I think he's done a decent job.
I don't often see *glaring* mistakes from him that cost
Us goals.
Robin Regehr
4 goals, 8 assists, 12 pts, and a +9.
Robin is a defensive defenseman, and is never really going
To add allot of offense to the team. However as a defenseman
He's one of the Elite, he does his job and then some.
He's had a few tough games this season, then again..so has
Every player in the league, overall..he's got far more good
Days on the ice than bad ones, great at throwing his weight
Around, doesn't take bad penalties, and is reliable game in
and game out.
Dion Phaneuf
6 goals, 23 assists, 29 pts and a +1.
I have to admit..I've got mixed feelings on this...
He started out the season on a great foot, skating, scoring,
Making great plays etc. It's crossed my mind if he wouldn't be
A better power forward than a defenseman at times.
Too many times in the defensive zone he's just not skating, and
He has made his share of glaring mistakes while covering in the
D zone.
I've always said about Phaneuf, he's either REALLY good or really
Bad. When he comes to play..he's great, he'll do everything.
But on an off night..you'll really notice what he's NOT doing.
Seeing as how his contract is coming due..if he truly wants
To remain a flame, he'll play like he's worth the huge $$$ Increase
He's going after.(then he'll take a home team cut like Iggy, Kipper
And Regehr)
It's rumored he's turned down a 6 mill/yr contract.
And with how the season has progressed for him, though I'm sure
Many teams would give him that and more gladly, if I were Sutter
I wouldn't give him more than 3.
Yes, I'm being critical..because I know what he *can* do every night,
But he hasn't brought that kind of play every night.
Anders Eriksson:
1 goal, 10 assists, 11 points and a -5.
hmmm, I can't say I'm thrilled about him, he's made some great
Plays, but more times than not..he's either unnoticeable,
Or noticeable in a not good way.
Corey Sarich
2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points and a +2
Again..a defensive defenseman, never really gonna put out allot
Offensively, on average I'd say he's done his job, sure he's
Made a couple of glaring mistakes..but again, everyone has.
I'd say he's more dependable than not on any given night.
Rhett Warrener
0 goals, 3 assists, 3 pts and a +4
Rhett has been out with injury for a while, so I can't asses his play
Of late really, but...with Rhett..he's never gonna be an Elite
Player, he is going to come, and do his job night after night.
He'll give what he's capable of giving, and plays with heart.
David Hale
0 goals, 1 assist, 1 points and +3
More nights than not I wanna smack him upside the head for something
Stupid, and more nights than not..it's more than one stupid mistake.
Replace him with a young guy from Quad city please.
At the moment...I'd say our top Dman is Regehr as far as current play
Not NHL status goes.
And we do have a couple of really good defenseman besides Regehr, but most
I'd say are average, or a little below at this point in the season.
Regehr, Aucoin and Corey get my vote for most consistent play.
I know Phaneuffan is going to disagree with me on Phaneuf lol, but
Inconsistency is a big thing with him. I don't consider him an
Elite player yet..he needs to be much better in the D zone for that.
He's young..and got time, and likely IN time will be one, but not yet.
Yes..he's the biggest hitter in the NHL, but that will only get you
So far.
I just want him to be as good as I know he can be every night.
I guess too, With Iginla having a great season, the Offensive
Power we do have, and Kippers play much better now than at
The beginning of the season, I truly believe we could have
A serious shot at the cup...but ONLY..ONLY with much better
D zone coverage, so it's extremely frustrating to watch at
Times.
Yes, there are offensive players at fault too, who screw up
More often than not in our own zone, but this was a specific
Look at the Defenseman.
This in the middle of a great run for the Flames...who are
12-1-4 since Dec 1st.
It's simple, the offense isn't always going to be able to score
Us out of trouble, there are times the Defense is going to
Have to hang onto a 1 goal lead, or times Kipper is going to
Have to steal a game. That's just how it works.
Anyway.. Just my thoughts, my opinions on it all lol.
It's no secret that the Flames defense needs some serious work.
There's no sign of the incredible defense that took us to the
Stanley cup finals when Sutter was GM. The Defense that could
Hang onto a one goal lead with seeming ease at times.
Instead...we're giving up leads, and sometimes BIG leads after
Being up 3 or 4 goals on the opposing team.
Allot of difficulty clearing the puck out of our end, giving up
Great scoring chances, and far too many shots on goal.
It's no wonder Kippers averages for the year are way down in
Comparison to the last few seasons.
Even a great goalie will look bad in front of a constantly
Shoddy defense.
Personally, I am in HUGE favor of some defensive trades at or by
The trade deadline, and truthfully..would be rather upset if there
Were none.
Adrian Aucoin
7 goals, 15 assists, 22 pts and a +9.
Offensively Adrian's been a good acquisition for the team.
Even defensively I think he's done a decent job.
I don't often see *glaring* mistakes from him that cost
Us goals.
Robin Regehr
4 goals, 8 assists, 12 pts, and a +9.
Robin is a defensive defenseman, and is never really going
To add allot of offense to the team. However as a defenseman
He's one of the Elite, he does his job and then some.
He's had a few tough games this season, then again..so has
Every player in the league, overall..he's got far more good
Days on the ice than bad ones, great at throwing his weight
Around, doesn't take bad penalties, and is reliable game in
and game out.
Dion Phaneuf
6 goals, 23 assists, 29 pts and a +1.
I have to admit..I've got mixed feelings on this...
He started out the season on a great foot, skating, scoring,
Making great plays etc. It's crossed my mind if he wouldn't be
A better power forward than a defenseman at times.
Too many times in the defensive zone he's just not skating, and
He has made his share of glaring mistakes while covering in the
D zone.
I've always said about Phaneuf, he's either REALLY good or really
Bad. When he comes to play..he's great, he'll do everything.
But on an off night..you'll really notice what he's NOT doing.
Seeing as how his contract is coming due..if he truly wants
To remain a flame, he'll play like he's worth the huge $$$ Increase
He's going after.(then he'll take a home team cut like Iggy, Kipper
And Regehr)
It's rumored he's turned down a 6 mill/yr contract.
And with how the season has progressed for him, though I'm sure
Many teams would give him that and more gladly, if I were Sutter
I wouldn't give him more than 3.
Yes, I'm being critical..because I know what he *can* do every night,
But he hasn't brought that kind of play every night.
Anders Eriksson:
1 goal, 10 assists, 11 points and a -5.
hmmm, I can't say I'm thrilled about him, he's made some great
Plays, but more times than not..he's either unnoticeable,
Or noticeable in a not good way.
Corey Sarich
2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points and a +2
Again..a defensive defenseman, never really gonna put out allot
Offensively, on average I'd say he's done his job, sure he's
Made a couple of glaring mistakes..but again, everyone has.
I'd say he's more dependable than not on any given night.
Rhett Warrener
0 goals, 3 assists, 3 pts and a +4
Rhett has been out with injury for a while, so I can't asses his play
Of late really, but...with Rhett..he's never gonna be an Elite
Player, he is going to come, and do his job night after night.
He'll give what he's capable of giving, and plays with heart.
David Hale
0 goals, 1 assist, 1 points and +3
More nights than not I wanna smack him upside the head for something
Stupid, and more nights than not..it's more than one stupid mistake.
Replace him with a young guy from Quad city please.
At the moment...I'd say our top Dman is Regehr as far as current play
Not NHL status goes.
And we do have a couple of really good defenseman besides Regehr, but most
I'd say are average, or a little below at this point in the season.
Regehr, Aucoin and Corey get my vote for most consistent play.
I know Phaneuffan is going to disagree with me on Phaneuf lol, but
Inconsistency is a big thing with him. I don't consider him an
Elite player yet..he needs to be much better in the D zone for that.
He's young..and got time, and likely IN time will be one, but not yet.
Yes..he's the biggest hitter in the NHL, but that will only get you
So far.
I just want him to be as good as I know he can be every night.
I guess too, With Iginla having a great season, the Offensive
Power we do have, and Kippers play much better now than at
The beginning of the season, I truly believe we could have
A serious shot at the cup...but ONLY..ONLY with much better
D zone coverage, so it's extremely frustrating to watch at
Times.
Yes, there are offensive players at fault too, who screw up
More often than not in our own zone, but this was a specific
Look at the Defenseman.
This in the middle of a great run for the Flames...who are
12-1-4 since Dec 1st.
It's simple, the offense isn't always going to be able to score
Us out of trouble, there are times the Defense is going to
Have to hang onto a 1 goal lead, or times Kipper is going to
Have to steal a game. That's just how it works.
Anyway.. Just my thoughts, my opinions on it all lol.
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