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Flames Perfect On the Road - Backlund Joins Injury List...Out 4-6 Weeks

February 8, 2013, 11:44 AM ET [147 Comments]
Colin Dambrauskas
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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Last night the Calgary Flames were able to pull off a 4-3 OT win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The expectations were somewhat low for both sides as neither club were streaking positively, however Calgary rallied for the win and have now won their last two road games in a row.

Last night’s win has placed the Flames 12th in the Western Conference, albeit still being tied for 15th with four teams. The Flames, however, have played 1-2 games less than most teams near them in standings and another win would move them up a few spots.

Even though the win wasn’t in regulation, the game had a lot of positives for Calgary. Cervenka had his first goal of the season early in the game and line mate Hudler put up 2 assists for the night. This line has been strong for the Flames, and with Cammalleri being injured they are in need of secondary/tertiary scoring. It appears that Mikael Backlund will join the injured list as the team noted he has a lower body injury which they have yet to update since last night. Backlund will be missed in the lineup, one that is already weaker down the middle. Hopefully both Mike’s will be back very soon to help this team continue their winning ways.

With respect to defense, Brodie was more involved offensively; he contributed 2 assists and looked confident against Columbus. Jackman and Wideman played physical and registered some good hits, though what impressed me most was Blair Jones who went 3 for 3 in the faceoff dot in the first period. Calgary’s overall percentage has improved to almost 50% with respect to faceoffs...a much needed improvement.

Despite Lee Stempniak’s beautiful rocket which gave Calgary the lead in the 3rd, the Flames would allow the Blue Jackets to send it to overtime shortly thereafter. Captain Iginla, who recently broke his goalless drought, was back at it last night adding the game winning assist to Tanguay in overtime. This is the first of back to back wins for Calgary this season and provided much confidence for the club while on the road.

Although the biggest question of the night was goaltending, Irving played well all things considered. His big pad save against Anisimov on the power play allowed Calgary to tie the game a few minutes later. He’d even manage a secondary assist on Stempniak’s goal and Tanguay credits him for his overtime winner.


"Actually, it all started with Leland," Tanguay said with a chuckle. "I lost my guy in the defensive zone and they made a great play and Leland made a stop. Then (T.J.) Brodie started the play off in the corner, beat one of their guys and we were off on a 3-on-2."

The Province



Irving definitely proved himself last night making 26 saves and I would imagine the Flames took note. Though many fans want Kipursoff back, in order to be successful, the Flames need a tested backup goalie and Irving proved last night he’s the right man for the job. Whether the Flames give the same opportunity to Taylor, or play the hot hand Saturday night against the Canucks, is left to be seen.

In the face of their win, and on a more negative note, it seems like Calgary may be starting to fall apart. After losing Kipursoff on Tuesday night, Backlund left the game with a lower body injury last night. He joins Baertschi and Cammalleri who both sat last night out with ailing hip flexors. They will play every other day until the end of February which is barely any relief given that they will only have at most two day breaks.

Playing so often wears on your body and with already four big injuries ¼ of the way through the season, the Flames will need to be hopeful that the injuries do not last. Having several players continuously out could turn a short season turn into a long one for Calgary.

I don’t mean to be so negative after two big wins, but as a fanbase, we need to consider all aspects of the game…even the negatives. Injuries asisde, the Flames finally found a way to pull it out in the end. For me, much of the successes of late should be credited to a great coaching staff. Hartley has clearly worked on the Flames weaknesses which were very perceptible just a few games ago.

The Flames have moved to 18th overall for faceoff percentages in just a week or so of games…moved up to 21st in +/- from 25th, goals for/against ratio has drastically improved from 0.67 to 0.92…the only stat they have not improved on is the PK as they still sit 28th overall.

The Calgary Flames have played a couple tough games and found themselves deadlock in regulation but weren’t been able to pull the trigger late in the game. Last night Tanguay and Iginla wasted no time putting away the goal to end the game in their favor. The Flames are playing like a team that wants out of the bottom of the standings and if they it up keep, they shouldn’t find themselves there too much longer.

Saturday’s game will be the last game of this three game road trip for the Flames as they face the Vancouver Canucks. This will be a big test for the team and they will have the opportunity to take 6/6 points during this road trip…something that would do wonders for this group.


Thanks for reading!


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