The Calgary Flames are considered by many to be a strong contender for the Stanley Cup this year. They have a solid core of veterans, a great keeper (and backup), and more talent than any team short of Pittsburgh. At the start of the season, most people thought that the Cup would be handed to them on a silver platter. After helping to tie hockey history by letting Chicago come back last night to win from a 5-0 deficit, Calgary really needed to step up their game to get that platter handed to them.
Game Recap
The Flames came out looking to get that platter back, and they were willing to fight hard for it. Utilizing their speed and skills, the Flames were able to keep the puck in Columbus' zone, and make sure that goalie Steve Mason was on his game. Once they realized that he was, the Flames worked to demoralize the Blue Jackets. Checking hard, hitting, and getting into fights, Calgary was looking to work Columbus into submission. It worked when, in the 16th minute, Curtis Glencross (2) sunk one in for Calgary off of a high stick.
After the first intermission, the Blue Jackets came back onto the ice with a new heart, and they were playing like a whole new team. Controlling the puck, finishing their checks, and keeping it in Calgary's zone, the Jackets were able to dominate the second period. Finally, the Jackets forced the Flames to commit two stupid penalties, and they got a 5-on-3 power play. Using the man advantage to, well, his advantage, Anton Stralman (1) tied the game up for the Jackets. Just two minutes later, Kristian Huselius (2) scored to give Columbus the lead. The Jackets had taken the game over, and they only needed to hold onto it for 20 more minutes.
The third period started off exactly like the second ended. Columbus continued to dominate and control the puck, and they were not letting it go. While Calgary got occasional chances, the Jackets continued to own the game. The refs, however, were doing their best to give Calgary back their platter; however, the Jackets, the fans, and the drunk guy sitting in front of me all made sure to keep the game in their pocket. When Calgary pulled their goalie late in the period, the game was over, and Columbus just had to mop up the pieces.
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Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
I've been to Alberta a few times. Half the time they say CAL-guh-ree and the other half it's cal-GARE-ee. They should just get it over with and change the name to New Denver.
2 - Robert M. Barga
the people from Calgary sitting beside me were quite pissed off
3 - Robert M. Barga
just found out that the ref owned up to the fact that he should have whistled earlier, which is nice