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Make it 2 straight wins for the Calgary Flames after a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night at the Saddledome. Calgary scored 6 even strength goals to take the win, and were able to do it facing 7 Blue Jackets powerplays. It was a game where Calgary had a great start and a solid final 20 minutes, and they were able to even the season series 1-1 with Columbus.
I was most impressed with the 3rd period from the Flames in this game. After being outplayed and outshot 10-4 in the 2nd period, Calgary got to work in the final frame and made sure their 1 goal lead was protected…and increased upon. It was a great start for the Flames…they got early goals, were hitting and had the Blue Jackets on their heals. Columbus has a blueline that can be forced into making bad decisions when pressured, and they did that early on and had success because of it. In the third period, I was really impressed with the killer instinct shown by the Flames. Dion Phaneuf had put them up by 1 in the 2nd, but Columbus had a 2 man advantage carry over from the end of the 2nd into the 3rd. After killing that, Calgary went to work and controlled the play…their ability to swing the game back in their favour was impressive on this night.
Calgary’s forecheck is really impressive when it’s rolling, and it was rolling for most of this game. Obviously, the challenge for Head Coach Brent Sutter and the team is to make it for an entire game, every game. But it really is impressive…it’s quick, it’s physical, it forces turnovers and creates turnovers. Plus, it was executed by all 4 lines for large portions of this game, which is what makes it so deadly. When you keep getting fresh bodies over the boards making life that difficult on the opponent, it’s going to lead to chances.
No question, best game of the seaosn from Jarome Iginla. That’s 2 straight really, really strong games from the captain…and this one translated onto the score sheet, with a goal and 2 assists to go along with a +3 rating. He was powerful, he was dangerous, and he was a factor everytime he was on the ice. Really liking the chances created when he’s out there with Glencross and Conroy…it’s not every single shift that they’re out there together, but when they are, they’ve looked good. Glencross had another really strong game as well.
The Flames were outshot again, and there was a 3-1 lead that evaporated. Columbus got the game going in their direction for a good 15-20 minute span, and created some chances. I know a lot of people won’t be happy with some of the penalties called, but I don’t know…they all seemed like legit penalties, so I didn’t really have a problem. But Calgary could have folded after the game was tied 3-3, because Columbus had the momentum…and that 5-on-3 could have really turned the tide. I liked the return to form in the 3rd, and I liked the killer instinct to finish it off.
Plus, 6 even strength goals was just fine…best 5 on 5 game this season. Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Steinberg960.
Don’t want to be too negative about a Flames win, but giving up 30 shots a night and 3 goals isn’t particularly the recipe for success. Their defense have to tighten up, (i.e. Phaneuf – 5-3 giveaway)
PS: No question things need to continue to get better, and eventually the shots will have to come down…but I think it has gotten better since the beginning of the season and it will continue to get better as the year continues.
- JohnI won’ tput this game with some of the others where the opponents were allowed to get back into the game. The 5 on3 followed by the 5 on4 contributed to tie in the 2nd. While the jackets did outshoot the Flames, I thought at least in the 3rd the team did not sit back and let Kipper be the sole reason for the win. I liked that they attempted to keep the pressure on in the 3rd unlike in some past games.
Those that lament about the shots do have a point. Kipper has a GAA over 3.00 but his Save% is .902. I’m sure with all the practice time available for the next 2 weeks that the coaches will have the guys working on that. Also need to work on the goals against, 2nd worse in the NHL…though if you want a positive we are first in goals for.
PS: I agree with you 100% on the 3rd period, that’s what you want to see…have the lead and keep your foot on the pedal. As for the shots against, absolutely, it’s going to need to come down and the coaching staff knows that.
- Bob in the AbbeyGlencross is becoming a legit top six foward!
PS: He certainly has been a great fit since joining Iginla and Conroy on the top line. The question about Glencross is how long it will continue for…he’s a hell of a hockey player, and he’s been pretty consistent the last 3 games.
- Corey