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The Calgary Flames got it done when it mattered once again on Saturday afternoon…buckling down in a 2-2 tie after 40 minutes to take a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Center. It’s been their calling card throughout most of the season, and a strong 3rd period with the game on the line was the story once again on this day. Coming off a 7-1 loss at home to Chicago, I think most will be happy with how Calgary responded.
Calgary lapsed in the 2nd period, and the Kings were able to take the lead, but I felt that was the only really lull in their game. The team came out a little flat to start the middle frame, and the first 4 minutes weren’t very good. But after Head Coach Brent Sutter called his timeout following Frolov’s goal, I felt Calgary snapped back into it…so I guess they played a 56 minute game on this night. After playing garbage hockey for too long on Thursday, I think I’ll take that.
Once again the third period was real good for the Flames, and this was probably their best 3rd period all year long. They controlled it from start to finish and ended up outshooting the Kings 13-5 in the final frame, and they did a really nice job of limiting any traction from LA. Maybe Calgary plays better in games that are close throughout…because they played some very good hockey in LA, and the same was true for games in Buffalo and Montreal. Calgary’s now 7-1-2 on the road and 13-6-2 overall.
Oh yeah…Jarome Iginla’s okay. That’s his 9th career hat-trick, and he now has 13 points in 9 games in the month of November…11 of those points are goals. He’s now second in the NHL in goals, and is playing dangerous hockey game in and game out. Calgary’s powerplay was a little better, going 2 for 7. They could have done some real damage in the 3rd period, but they scored on a 5 on 3 and were able to put the game away on the PP as well. I’ll take it. I also thought Calgary’s skating was a real reason why the Kings took 7 penalties. Calgary’s PK was perfect for the first time in 3 games.
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It’s funny how people’s perceptions can change so quickly. At the very beginning of the season, everyone was getting worried that maybe Iginla had passed his prime and was on his downslope. Now he’s more than doubled the next highest goal-getter on the team and scored yet another hat trick in this illustrious career of his.
It’s great to see him prove all of his doubters wrong yet again and while I still think there’s a lot to improve upon, the Flames are actually starting to look like a true contender instead of just lucky and Jarome is a huge reason for it.
Great game!
PS: Dude, it’s a pretty fickle business…it’s always going to change from game to game. As for Iginla, there’s not a whole lot to say that you haven’t already. He’s raised the level of his play back to the elite level we’re all used to, and there is every indication that it’s going to stay that way. I think we can have confidence that Iginla still has the ability to take the offensive load on his back when he’s called upon.
- nexxaiI actually thought it was one of the best all around games of the season for the Flames. Even when the Kings tied it and took the lead I never felt like it was going to last. I just wish they would play the same simple game on home ice as they are on the road.
PS: And Brent Sutter addressed that following the game in his post-game media conference…he said “we played a good road game…but we want to play that way every game”. That was a paraphrase, but the point remains…Sutter wants this team to play that well executed game on home ice as well, and so far they haven’t been able to do that on a regular basis.
- Mike