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The Calgary Flames played well against the Colorado Avalanche Thursday night…that is until the ending 3 minutes of the 3rd period. To see a game that was going in your team’s favor after they rallied to tie the game end 6-3 is pitiful, and as a fan it becomes difficult to watch.
Given that Calgary had a few days off and they were taking on a team who played the night before in addition to coming off a 3 game losing streak, the Flames should have taken advantage of such a game. Thursday’s game definitely proves that Calgary’s defense needs to be stronger, it’s as simple as that. And as much as I hate to rag on Kiprusoff, he let in some seriously weak goals which begs the question…is he good to go this year?
Hopefully Thursday’s game will be an indication of how important tending is to the Flames success, and they will need to start looking into developing Karri Ramo into a starting goalie as soon as possible as their current netminder begins to age.
Cervenka and Hudler played very well together…so much so that it appears they have
brought up Stajan’s level of play. Hudler did especially well registering a 3 point game and as a whole it appears their line line gelled and moved the puck very well. All things considered, the forwards did their job as they outshot the Av’s 28-22.
Today is a new day and that means a new opponent for Calgary. Tonight they take on the Chicago Blackhawks . Although Chicago has lost their last 2, this season they’ve had a franchise-best start and have continued to earn points despite the losses. If the Calgary Flames are going to show as many defensive woes again against the 2nd place Blackhawks…tonight’s game could end up worse than their matchup against the Av’s.
That being said, the Hawks recently lost in a shootout to Vancouver. In their last 2 games Chicago had trouble getting the puck in the net despite playing very well, so they will be looking to come in with much more offensive presence, which will be a challenge for a struggling defensive team like Calgary.
The Flames will certainly need to improve their defensive play against a team like Chicago. Patrick Kane is 12th while Marian Hossa is 18th overall in points and Chicago has the talent to take advantage of Calgary’s defensive holes. The Flames need to keep the game close and Kipursoff will need to stand on his head if Calgary is to find any successes.
In terms of the Blackhawks defense, Calgary will need to be creative.
Chicago has allowed no more than two goals in their last six games and killed 30 of 31 penalties taken to date. Bottom line for tonight is that Calgary will fall victim to another team win unless they find a way to up the ante. The Hawks currently have a greater ability to score, averaging 3.12 goals for and allowing only two goals against per game.
The Flames, comparatively, have come up short on defense time and time again allowing an average of 4 goals a game and only putting away 2.8. If these numbers hold true tonight, Calgary fans will not have much to celebrate for tonight unless they are looking for that higher draft pick…in which case grab a beer, you might be smiling.
Tonight I will be looking to Iginla, who only has 3 assists this season, to start
contributing. After Thursday’s game he stressed his overall disappointment and said he planned
on getting back on track. If he wants a home in Calgary after this season, he better
start playing like it. Iginla can score tonight and if he finds a way to get some wind in his sails, I think we will see a reinvigorated captain and team.
Chicago's last win in Calgary was a on Jan. 21, 2010…let’s hope tonight we can preserve that date because Calgary owes its fans a win at home.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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