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Despite losing 2-1 against the Boston Bruins last night, last night was a great game for Calgary fans with the “Iggy-Iggy… chants as they welcomed their former captain back to the Saddledome for the first time since being traded.
Awarded with a rather long standing ovation and tribute film, Iginla appeared to be near tears as he saluted the home crowd as a member of the Boston Bruins. Given that Calgary is still viewed as his home, last night only added to the notion that the veteran forward may come back to Calgary one day and retire as a member of the Flames.
“It was definitely emotional,… Iginla said, after the Bruins had taken the 2-1 comeback win. “I really appreciated the fans. It was a cool feeling. It felt special, the ovation at the start, and then you feel funny just standing out there.…
That said, there was actually a game on last night as well. Playing a much stronger roster in the Bruins, I for once expected a much different turnout than a 2-1 loss from the Flames. With no goals scored in the first period, the chances were certainly in favour of Calgary as Rask absolutely robbed Hudler on one chance, and would keep the game tied at zero despite being outshot 11-5.
While Hudler missed a good scoring chance in the first, he would find the back of the net in the second period flying up the wing with a wrister, over the glove hand of Rask…Hudler now with 28pts in 30 games and 5pts in his last four; solid pickup for the Flames so far this year.
Though the Flames opened the scoring in the 2nd period, the Bruins had some very strong scoring chances and this time Reto Berra would keep him team in the game. Calgary had two solid periods to start the game and had their energy levels. The Flames once again outshot the Bruins 11-4, and Rask kept the game from being 2/3-0 late in the 2nd.
I continue to be impressed with Berra's play against much stronger competition. While a lot of the focus has been, and was, around Karri Ramo for the starting role, Berra's athleticism really bodes well against strong offensive teams and he certainly helped his team battle for a near win last night.
Just as I’ve mentioned a few too many times this year, the Flames were utiamtely not able to secure their 1-0 lead going into the final 20 minutes of the game where it appeared that they were trying to secure their lead as their offensive play diminished, registering a total of five shots on net compared to Boston’s 15.
With a powerplay by Krejci to tie up the game, the Bruins got a little extra life in their game and rookie Rielly Smith would crash up the wing and find the back of the net for the game winner off a very nice backhand to forehand play while skating around TJ Brodie.
Down one goal, the Flames would do their best to fight back for the equalizer as Sven Baertschi came close with a backhand shot, nearly beating Rask. Despite their last minute effort, Boston would ultimately walk away with the two points.
All things considered, I was quite content with the effort and play of the Flames against the Bruins. While Boston seemed a little tired to get things going and were down a few key players, Calgary’s roster is also somewhat depleted and they showed just what they can do with some hard work and sticking to their game plan.
The Flames will take to the ice against the Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow at home, and a repeat of last night could end in their favor against a Carolina team who has been struggling of late.
Thanks for reading!