Calgary Flames Host Columbus Blue Jackets, November 20 – Flames Doused In OT

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Flames won the first of three up-coming contests this season with the Blue Jackets, Calgary had a lot to fight against on November 20 when they hosted Columbus at the Saddledome. Coming off a 7-0 loss to the Oilers, Columbus had an urgency to win against Calgary. Armed with Wisniewski, a defenseman who has 16 points so far this season, the Blue Jackets were looking to redeem themselves after the loss against the Edmonton Oilers. But with the ammunition of Hudler, Russell, and Berra, Calgary held off Columbus to take the game into overtime.

The first period was a lot of back and forth play until the Flames woke up and realized that the Blue Jackets were taking quite a few shots on net. Reto Berra had the highlight save of the season in the first period. While in motion, sliding from one side of the net to the other, with no other options of goalie defense, the net-minder threw his leg in the air as the puck was sailing towards the back of the net. That quick snap of his leg, his last-resort kick in the air, somehow connected with the flying puck, saving the Flames from a goal early in the first period. A couple of minutes later, Columbus came back into the Flames end to score the lone goal of the first 20 minutes.

Calgary picked up the pace a bit more in the second, but it wasn’t enough to capitalize with any goals. A bad call on Butler for tripping sent the Flames on the PK, which resulted in no goals by either team in the second frame.

The third period looked much better as the Flames came out onto the ice and looked focused. It was all Calgary in the first few minutes. Colborne tied the game with a sweet back-handed tip-in, leaving two Columbus players in his wake. And it would be the only Flames goal of the game.

In overtime, with less than three minutes left on the clock, Columbus got one past Berra to win the game 2-1.

My 1 Star

Kris Russell. At 5’10” and 173lbs, this 26 year old has stepped up in Giordano’s absence. He’s a quick thinker and uses his instincts, which usually pays off. It’s not very often we see Russell making major mistakes. With 12 points in 22 games, he’s quickly becoming a force on the Flames blue line.