Flames Take On Those Pesky Stars
By Cait Platt
Calgary Flames are about to face off against the Dallas Stars, with things slightly different than the last match up. While the Flames still grapple for a playoff berth in 11th place, the 8th Stars have a 3 point cushion over the teams below them with the momentum of going 5-0-1 in their last 6 games while the Flames are 1-3-2 in their last 6, not exactly the greatest momentum.
Last time these two teams met, the Stars won 3-2 at home with Miikka Kiprusoff and Kari Lehtonen squaring off in goal. While Kipper walked away with the 1st star of the game, the Stars walked away with the 2 points the Flames so desperately need. This time the Flames have the home ice and home fan advantage, however that is not a guarantee win.
While Kipper has been standing on his head lately, really saving the Flames from some awful blow outs, but it’s not enough. The Flames need to start getting the puck in the net more, especially against a team with goal dispersal like the Stars. The Flames have their top three scorers with a large drop off in goals, but the Stars are more consistent, the top scorers are as high BUT there’s more goal scoring on all line. Outside of the Flames first line, there isn’t much scoring. Three guys and Kipper can’t win the whole game.
While only Lehtonen is confirmed for the game, it is hard to imagine Henrik Karlsson starting over Kipper in the game. Karlsson isn’t the clutch player the Flames need for these 2 points. Olli Jokenin has had a hot streak with 18 points in last 18 games. Jarome Iginla has been stepping up his game lately (3 points in 2 games) but it needs to be where he was a few weeks ago. Rebounding from his injury, Curtis Glencross has logged 3 points in 3 games. But once again, that’s it production wise. A point or two here and there, but not enough to really boost the Flames up.
If the Flames were to come out of this with the full 2 points, I could see them having a shot at moving into 8th by the end of the season, however if they walked away with 1 or 0 points, the gap becomes much too large for a team like the Flames to over come.
But really, here’s hoping I’m wrong.
A little bit of inspiration:
Go Flames Go!