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As fast as the Calgary Flames earned a two game winning streak, they’ve switched gears and earned themselves a two game loosing streak after falling 1-2 to the Wild last night in a shoot out. After 10 games this season Calgary sits at 3-4-3 and 29th overall.
The game was evenly matched, at times Calgary dominated the play but were also out played at times as well. Overall, it was a very…ok…game, if you will. I don’t really have anything overly bad to say, but I also didn’t find that there was very much good that came out of that game either. Both teams registered 24 shots and both managed to score 1 goal in regulation. The game seemed like a 9-5 shift for some guys out there, and not like a team trying to work themselves out of the basement.
Backstrom stopped every shot last night except for Hudler’s no look shot between the legs who made it look easy. His goal on Backstrom would tie the game and seemingly sparked the team for a short period of time. The Flames would not be able to find any more offense throughout the game and the game would need to move to a shoot out.
During the shoot out Irving showed some frustration after over committing on both chances, but he has done well in net for the Flames so far. He made some great saves, followed the puck and remained focused; Irving gave Calgary the chance to win. The Wild’s only goal was ultimately caused by a defensive breakdown, after Iginla couldn’t clear the puck and it landed on the stick of Setoguchi who was alone on the post.
Hudler had a great goal in regulation and after picking up a turn over at the Flames blueline. That 2nd line, including recent call up Ben Street, played well and created some good scoring chances. Wideman had a great play and showed some life mid way through the 2nd making a fake move on his defender and moving in for a better opportunity.
Calgary had two power play opportunities on which they couldn’t convert, but they did well killing off all four penalties and improving in that regard. The quandary of late is that Calgary is becoming flat and they need some energy and drive to start winning. It would be nice to look toward Iginla for some motivation, but last night he was -1 and caused the Wild’s singular goal in regulation. Iginla also sits at -3 this season.
I wouldn’t say Iginla has started to sink the ship, but the captain is barely keeping a float. No one wants to see Iginla go down without a fight and if Iginla wants to do what’s best for the Flames and himself, we had better start seeing some fight in him.
Next the Flames will face Dallas tomorrow night at home.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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