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The Calgary Flames took to the ice against the former Stanley Cup Winning Chicago Blackhawks last night at home hoping to end Chicago’s win streak, and they did just that.
After sending their only veteran goaltender in Joey MacDonald down to the AHL, the Flames were without a few typical vets as Lee Stempniak and Mark Giordano remain sidelined with injuries. Despite the lack of such veteran presence, Calgary was able to piece together some solid hockey and walk away with two points in OT.
Recalled from the Abbotsford Heat in exchange for Joey MacDonald, Retto Berra would get his first NHL start of his career against non-other than the former NHL Stanley Cup Champs. That said, the Swiss tender was very sharp for his first start and provided his team the chance to win the game.
“We were open to everything,” Hartley said. “I kind of asked him, ‘When are you ready?’ I know of Reto because of my Swiss connections and this guy was probably the biggest free agent in the Swiss league. He didn’t even sign any contracts over there — his mindset was to play in the NHL. He came here for a reason. That’s why he’s in tonight’s game. I understand the challenge. But here’s a guy who played in world championships. He wants to play.”
With a strong start to their season, Chicago came into the game holding a record of 9-2-3 compared to Calgary’s 5-6-2 record. Needing a strong start to a four game road trip, the Flames hit the ice with intensity – something that was lacking in previous games. Holding a rather poor road game record, it was equally important for the group to start trending in the W column when on the road, irrespective of their opponent’s records.
The first period saw a lot of action and chances, but would be held scoreless from both sides. Off to a good start, Berra would be challenged with 18 shots in the first period alone compared to Calgary’s 11 shots for. Both the Flames and Hawks would have a few strong quality chances including a penalty shot award to TJ Galiardi and a huge cross crease save by Berra against Andrew Shaw, but it wouldn’t be until the 2nd period that the scoring would open for the home team.
After skating nearly halfway around the world, Patrick Kane would fool just about the entire Flames team including Berra to take the lead. Interestingly enough, after scoring the first goal of the game, the Hawks are 8-0-2 – not a positive stat for Flames fans watching live at home, I’m sure.
That said, not one minute later would the Flames answer with a perfectly executed tip in goal by Mike Cammalleri off a point shot by Dennis Wideman. With much needed veteran presence this year, Cammalleri has now registered 7pts in seven games since starting his regular season.
Despite having a rather weak game, Chris Butler effectively moved the puck up ice, tape to tape, onto Curtis Glencross’ stick who would bury the puck over the glove hand of Corey Crawford and provide the Hawks with their first lead of the game. With less than five minutes in regulation, however, the Hawks would tie it up with a power-play goal from Marian Hossa and send the game into OT.
While it seemed like the game took a sudden change of pace after the Hawks goal, it would be Calgary who took the extra point during overtime as a result of a beauty shot by Kris Russell from the point. Without the presence of Giordano, Stempniak, or a veteran NHL goaltender, the Flames were able to fight for a big win against the Chicago Blackhawks which for the rebuilding team, felt good. Berra would get his first NHL win of his career after stopping 44 shots for the night.
“Very proud for Reto. He played tonight the same way I’ve seen him play for a full year in Switzerland,” said Flames head coach Bob Hartley. "Just the poise that he showed throughout the game. Never got rattled. Was in perfect control on every shot. The two shots that beat him were perfect shots.”
The Calgary Flames will play their next road game tomorrow night against the Minnesota Wild. Given his strong performance last night, I would imagine that Berra gets the start once again.
That’s all for today folks, thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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