FLAMES TRIVIA | FLAMES AUDIO | FLAMES DIRECTORY | Peter Maher's Blog | Mike Rogers's Blog | Bryn's Blog | Pat's Blog
In their most important game this season so far, the Flames had another 2-1 final score on Monday.
It marked the 15th time in 69 games the score has been 2-1. The Flames most popular score this season. Unfortunately, it was the Detroit Red Wings with the 2 as Tomas Holmstrom tipped a Johan Franzen shot past Miikka Kiprusoff with 1:19 left in the 3rd period. Franzen’s shot was going wide of the net.
Coach Brent Sutter stated right from the out3rd period when Brian Rafalski was banished to 4 minutes for high sticking. The Flames managed just 2 shots in the 4 minutes. The Flames have failed to score on their last set in September that his club had to win the 2-1 games. Out of the 15, they have won 7, lost 7 in regulation and 1 in extra time.
In games with such a slim margin for error, special team are frequently the difference. It was in this one. The Red Wings got their tying goal on a power play in the final minute of the 2nd period just after Curtis Glencross failed to score on a penalty shot. The Flames gained a 1-0 edge at 1:47 of the first with Craig Conroy’s 3rd tally of the season.
The Flame PP had a great chance to break the 1-1 tie early in the 3rd when Brian Rafalski was handed a double minor for high sticking. The Flames managed only 2 shots in the 4 minutes. The PP has now failed in its last 14 attempts.
Falling 3 points behind the Wings for 8th place in the Western Conf., the Flames now need help over the final 13 games to make it 6-straight seasons in the post season.
The Red Wings have a slightly better finish schedule. Detroit plays 7 of their 13 matches at home. The Flames play 8 of 13 away from the Saddledome, which may be good considering they have a better record on the road.
The Flames get an advantage in that they just one set of back-to-back games left. The Wings have 3 with the 2nd on the road each time. Detroit plays supposedly less quality opponents. The Wings play 7 non-playoff teams including Columbus 3 times and Edmonton twice. As well the Wings face 3 first place clubs. The Flames have 4 games remaining against non-playoff squads and have 5 left against #1 teams.
The Flames look to start the turn around in Colorado on Wednesday against an Avalanche team that has beaten them all 4 times this season by identical 3-2 scores. The Flames second favorite final score.
