Miikka Kirpusoff is the cover story in this week’s edition of the Hockey Bible, the Hockey News, with the questioon “50 Wins…Can Kiprusoff Make History?

   Its a legit question.  With Kiprusoff having 36 wins in 60 games and needing 14 more wins over the Flames final 22 games, the possibility of the Flame standout goalie being the NHL’s first 50-game winner is possible. However, not very likely.

   Of the Flames 60 matches, Kipper has started 56 of them. If Mike Keenan contiues to give him one game off every 15 games it means the Flame netminder will start 20 of the last 22 games. To get 50 he’d need to win 14 of the 20. Considering that Kipper wins every 1.5 starts he’d have to be just slight better than that pace to win 50.

   That is if he starts 20 more games. That would mean a regular-season of 76 starts.

   My guess is that he won’t make that many more starts consequently his chances of winning 50 are very slim.  True Kipper, made 76 starts last season and Keenan was the coach.

  The circumstances are different now.  Last season the Flames were battling for a playoff spot right to the second last of 82 games.  They presently have a 10-lead at the top of the NW Division standings, which is the reg-season goal.  Thus, unless that gap is reduced significantly down the stretch, Kipper will get more games off between now and April 11 than he had a year ago.

   The additional breaks will keep him fresh for the post season. Keenan is well aware of the importance of having playoff success and also aware Kipper is the big key to that success.

   Kipper is the only goalie to be the winning goalie in all his team’s game. You can be sure he’ll start tonight against Minnesota seeking win 37 for him and the team.

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