Calgary Blog

 

Flames acquire Kotalik and Higgins

By Greg Hounslow - February 2, 2010

I have to hand it to Darryl Sutter. He has single-handedly created the strangest 2 days in recent Flames history. After trading Dion Phaneuf to Toronto on Sunday morning, he then went to work on Olli Jokinen.

The trade rumour that leaked last night was confirmed after tonight's game as Flames GM Darryl Sutter announced that they had acquired wingers Ales Kotalik and Christopher Higgins from the NY Rangers in exchange for Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust.

Anderson Has the Flames' Number

By Greg Hounslow - January 12, 2010

I want Craig Anderson dead. Whether it's right to say that or not, it's true, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. It seems that the Colorado Avalanche can do no wrong against the Calgary Flames this season and they proved it when they rolled into the 'Dome tonight hoping to take over first place in the NW division and push their season record to 4-0 against the Flames.

After starting the game with 3 fights in less than 4 mins, the Flames went up 2-0 with goals from Rene Bourque and Dustin Boyd. They couldn't hold the lead through the end of the 2nd period, though. Paul Stastny and Chris Stewart scored to bring the Avs even with the Flames after 40 minutes. The Avs played a solid 2nd period, and received some great goaltending from Craig Anderson throughout the whole game.

Flames win in Vancouver while overcoming a laser

By Greg Hounslow - January 10, 2010

Despite the fact that some idiot in Vancouver thought it would be a good idea to shine a laser in Miikka Kiprusoff's eyes all night, the Flames won 3-2 in the shootout, regaining their lead atop the Northwest Division and proving that they are the tougher team, mentally and physically.

Anyone who watched tonight would agree that this was one of the best games so far this NHL season. The Flames and Canucks both came out hitting, and played a very physical game to decide who would end up in 1st place in the NW division. The Canucks ended up with the short straw, after their captain gave up 3 goals in the shootout following an exciting game at GM Place. This was the first time in a long time where the Flames scored on all of their shootout opportunities, and they needed all 3 goal to secure the win.

December Hasn't Been Friendly to the Flames

By Greg Hounslow - December 29, 2009

I've taken a bit of flack from my friends for not updating my blog for 3 weeks, but really, if I could have chosen a better 3 weeks to take a mini-break from the Flames (because I was sooo busy!) this would have been it. Since my last post 3 weeks ago, the Flames have gone 3-4-2 and dropped from first in the NW (2nd in the West) to 6th in the West and only 1 point ahead of Vancouver in the race for 2nd in the NW (is this really a race?!!).

The Calgary Flames have had a dismal December, going 4-6-2 after dominating their opponents during the month of November. They weren't able to score when they needed to and they gave points away to teams that they should have beaten. Sure, they beat the league-leading, San Jose Sharks 2-1 on December 5th, but that was the last good game they played. It's no secret that the Flames have December issues, and they need to either get over them, or get onto January.

Kings Send Flames Home With a Loss

By Greg Hounslow - December 8, 2009

The Los Angeles Kings have surprised many people this season by fighting their way from the NHL's basement into playoff contention. They continued the fight at home against the Calgary Flames tonight, and gained another 2 points as they sent the Flames packing after beating them 2-1.

Tonight's game marks the end of the Flames' season-high, 6-game road trip, which came at a time when the Flames were playing their best hockey while occupying the visitor's bench. The 11-day road trip was overwhelmingly successful as the Flames took 8 of a total 12 points, beating San Jose, Detroit, Nashville and Columbus along the way. Miikka Kiprusoff registered 2 shutouts and the Flames outshot their opponents 16-8.

November is Friendly to The Flames

By Greg Hounslow - November 29, 2009

I haven't written anything since the blowout loss against Chicago last week, but the Flames have been on a tear so it's time for a little summary. The Flames played 5 games last week, taking 9 of 10 points and heading into Grey Cup Sunday on a seriously high note.

Last Saturday, the Flames put together a near-perfect game as they dominated the LA Kings on the way to a 5-2 win in Los Angeles. They completed their California tour with a disappointing 3-2 shootout loss in Anaheim. The Ducks played a solid game and were backstopped by an incredible performance from J-S Giguerre, who has been fighting for his starting role again. The always reliable Teemu Selanne scored the winning goal in the shootout with an absolute beauty over Miikka Kiprusoff's shoulder.

Seven One

By Greg Hounslow - November 21, 2009

I can't remember the last time the Flames got blown out this bad. Final score: 7-1, at home. Another loss to Chicago. But hey, at least Jokinen scored...

I'm sure I wasn't the only one that thought the Flames would come out ready to play tonight, and I guess in a way I wasn't wrong. The Flames actually came out strong tonight, and had the Blackhawks back on their heels, but they still managed to finish the 1st period down 1-0.

Though they did start well, the Flames tapered off in the 2nd period allowing 5 goals after Olli Jokinen scored his first goal in 9 games, and only his 3rd of the season. Just when it appeared that the Flames were set to take the lead, Jeremy Piven (and his mysterious powers) lead to 5 goals for the Blackhawks and the Saddledome roof officially collapsed on the Flames.

What's Wrong With Flames Fans?

By Greg Hounslow - November 18, 2009

I used to brag to my friends in Montreal and Vancouver about how great a building the Saddledome is; how loud it is; and how passionate the Flames fans are about their team. After last night's performance by the 19,289 fans in attendance I may have to eat my words.

The Flames came back from a road trip after taking 4-of-5 possible points and putting themselves in a position to win and move into top spot in the NW and 2nd in the West. What was supposed to be a loud welcome home for the boys turned into an awkward, high-school-dance-like event where everyone sat on their hands and nobody seemed to want to raise their voices unless someone was fighting.

First Flames Win in Toronto Since 2000

By Greg Hounslow - November 14, 2009

I suppose that Flames fans should be happy that they won tonight, taking their first 2 points away from Toronto since 2000. But after the way they played, I'm not sure we can be so happy. Sure the Flames took 5 of a total 6 points on their 3-game road trip through the eastern conference, but they didn't finish on a high note.

The Leafs out-hustled the Flames for much of the game, including the entire 2nd period and much of the 3rd period. If it wasn't for the continued stellar play of Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, who stopped 38 of 40 shots, the Flames could have easily lost to the 2nd worst team in the league tonight.

Flames Shut Out Canadiens

By Greg Hounslow - November 11, 2009

The Calgary Flames had not won a game in Montreal in 9 years, but that changed tonight when Miikka Kiprusoff shut out the Habs for his first shutout and 10th win of the season. The Flames goaltender has been the team's best player for the past few games and made some spectacular saves to maintain the 1-0 win tonight.

Jarome Iginla scored the only goal of the game with 5:05 remaining in the first period. It was his 5th goal in 4 games, which gives him 9 on the season. Iginla, nicknamed "Mr. November" by some fans has a history of playing well in the second month of the season. He's leading the team on and off the ice and