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The Calgary Flames will take on the Phoenix Coyotes tonight as they finish up back to back home games. The Flames found success last night against the Minnesota Wild who came into the match with a record of 8-6-2.
Alex Tanguay would receive a beauty pass up the middle of the ice to spring him on a breakaway and was able to wait out Wild`s goaltender Backstrom for a nice little side step goal. With Tanguay`s early goal, the Flames were able to hold off the Wild for a 3-1 victory after Matt Stajan found the back of the net twice; one as a result of a hardworking play in front of the net, and the other on an empty netter to secure the win. I know...Matt Stajan with two goals and the game winner! Who woulda thunk?
Apart from Matt Stajan’s play, the Flames looked alright against the Wild. They didn’t necessarily force the play too often, though they were able to play with an aggressive edge at times. A few hits from both sides got things going and the Flames held in there physically…something which wasn’t as apparent against the Los Angeles Kings. Recently called up, Akim Aliu didn’t have a very good game registering only 1 hit and 10 penalty minutes for a scrap against the Wilds Rupp .
Joey Macdonald also had a strong performance as he continues to prove his value to the team who just picked him up from Detroit. Feaster is looking pretty smart right about now with this acquisition, as neither previous tenders have been able to display the ability to carry the load of starting position.
Coach Hartley was more impressed with this turnout as he felt the team grinded for the win more so than previously demonstrated. He was especially content with Matt Stajan’s play saying he has been on of their most consistent guys of late, and the two goals is a nice reward for his efforts.
Tonight the Flames will need to carry the momentum from their win against the Wild as the Coyotes will be hungry after given up a point in overtime to the Edmonton Oilers last night. The Coyotes will be playing back to back road games and this should be an advantage for the Flames. Calgary has struggled at home (more so than away) and Phoenix will try to worsen this stat.
If the Flames are to find success during tonight`s game, it will be by bringing forth a gritty, defensive game. The Coyotes have not demonstrated the strongest of specialty teams of late, and the Flames will want to try and take advantage of this by staying out of the box and capitalizing on powerplays of their own.
A back to back win tonight at home could do wonders for this particular club. Most fans are beginning to write this group off as they`ve displayed a lot of inconsistency in their game, however it`s still early. Less than 35% of the way through the season, the Flames should have an adequate amount of time to improve upon their place in the standings and continue to fight.
With respect to lines tonight, most should remain the same except that Akim Aliu will sit and Roman Cervenka will be back in to take his place. In other news, Steve Begin will play his 500th NHL game tonight and Kiprusoff has started practising with the team again both skating and taking shots. He is expected to be back very soon and a Macdonald/Kirpsuoff tandem could bode well for the Flames.
Last night`s win at home was a treat for the Calgary fans...tonight the Flames could extend this feeling if they find a way to get the ``desert dogs`` to sit, stay, and play dead.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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