The Calgary Flames played hockey last night. They scored more goals than the other group of fellas that showed up to also play hockey last night.
It was a good time, it was a fun time.
THE FLAMES CLINCHED THE PLAYOFFS MOTHERTRUCKERS!!
And to all the naysayers out there who did nothing but challenge the team’s play with cold numbers, let me say one thing – How you like me now!?
This was not the case, nor has it been the case throughout most of the year. The Flames were put up against the reigning Stanley Cup champs and had not only the chance to knock them out of playoff contention, but to secure themselves a spot with just two games remaining in the regular season. That’s not exactly easy to play through if you ask me.
Calgary’s first period was near perfect; they nearly doubled the Kings in shots, found the back of the net twice, and played with a ton of heart. By the way – how good did Johnny Hockey look? I think it’s safe to say that this kid is going to do something with his hockey career.
I digress.
And who else had a great game? Jiri “Screw You Red Wings… Hudler. As I’ve previously posted, Hudler has been having the best season of his career thus far and has averaged far better overall numbers with the Flames than he’s ever posted with the Red Wings. Now sitting with 31 goals and 76pts, Hudler is 8th in the league in points and is looking like a beauty.
Good for him.
Moving in to the second period, the Kings would start to push back a little and it would eventually pay off in the third when they secured a goal to take away the Flames two goal lead of the game. Calgary seemingly stepped in to a defensive role in order to protect the lead as the Kings would outshoot them by a 26-10 margin over the last two periods.
But this wouldn’t be enough to take the wind out of this team’s sails as the Flames stuck in there with some very strong saves by Jonas Hiller and overall good team defense and physicality. Jiri Hudler would put away the final goal of the game to secure the playoffs and earn himself his 31st goal of the year.
The Flames will have a day off today and take on the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow night where many fans are hoping to get a chance to see Sam Bennett hit the ice for the first time since sustaining an injury. Fans are excited and also anxious for him to get back into the lineup, and so is he.
“It’s a great time of year. It’s exciting. You can feel it in the room. I know back in Calgary there’s so much excitement in the city. It really is an unbelievable opportunity for myself. I’m honoured to be here and possibly get the chance to play soon.…
Hopefully the budding star gets his chance at some playoff hockey and he among others embraces this time as a strong development opportunity for their short term but also hopefully long term NHL careers.
Thanks for reading!