Most teams, when looking forward to their next opponent, are usually focused on doing what they can to get the win. At this point, however, one would forgive the Flames if their aspirations are of a more immediate variety... A goal would be nice!
On their way to losing the last three games since Christmas after their feel-good comeback with on the 23rd against the Blues, the Flames have managed to turn on the red light just 1 time, and that was in their last outing against the Philadelphia Flyers that did get them back even and looked like it might have been the kickstart the team needed to break out of their current scoring drought, but alas it was simply a mirage as the Flyers would tally 3 straight times and skate into the New Year with a 4-1 victory.
But that was last year, all in the past, and this is now. Good news for Flames fans is that arguably the team's 2nd best blueliner will be back tonight as Dennis Wideman will return from injury and may be able to help spark their offense.
Good news for Canadian hockey fans is that Steven Stamkos is back skating and looks like he will be named to the Olympic team next week as he continues to make a miraculous recovery from what looked like a devastating injury earlier this year. It was an injury that certainly hit home with many Team Canada fans as he is expected to be a major contributor for the Canadian Olympic effort since he's one of the top players in the entire world and not the type of player you can easily shrug off the loss of.
Unless of course, you're the Tampa Bay Lightning apparently... When He went down in early November, the Lightning were sitting on top of their division with a 12-4-0 record and many feared that his loss might send the Bolts careening down as they were to be without their biggest superstar for an extended period of time... But a funny thing happened on the way to their predicted free-fall... The rest of the team seemed to take the challenge and assumption of dire straights personally and have managed to put together a VERY respectful 12-8-4 record without their #1 centre. Impressive considering this isn't a team that has a Malkin to fall back on like Pittsburgh does if Crosby gets hurt. It's been impressive to say the least.
Not surprisingly, ageless wonder and former Calgary Flame Martin St. Louis has been leading the team in Stamkos' absence. The league's leading scorer last season seems to defy the odds again and again and remains one of the best stories of a player who was never drafted... I don't know if I can EVER describe how happy I was when Craig Button decided not to even offer this guy a contract when he took over as the Flames GM... And that was before I realized how much success Martin would have. He's a class act and a great player and his leadership skills may never have been more in the spotlight than they've been the past.
The Lightning have managed to stay in the playoff hunt using hard work and determination, two elements the Flames have shown in abundance this season after too many years of seeming to lack in both areas. The Flames aren't in the playoff picture now, but continuing to play the way they have, and using the Lightning as a model could certainly benefit them moving forward.
Of course, not to belabor the point, but some goals would really be great.
Have a great day!