Calgary Flames At Boston Bruins – Game Recap and My 1 Star Of The Night

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Maybe it’s just my optimistic nature (you kind of have to be when you’ve been a Flames fan as long as I have) but I think that these past two games against the Boston Bruins could have turned out a lot worse for Calgary Flames.

Granted, the Bruins have been fighting off the flu for a while now, but, considering that they are one of the toughest teams in the league, I feel that the Flames held their own in the past two games. During the game at TD Garden, the penalty kills could have been better, but, during 5 on 5 hockey, the Flames didn’t give up any goals.

Lance Bouma shot out of the gates swinging. He looked great in the first period. The second period looked a little messy for him, but he started to slow down in the third and still played some great hockey. He covered his man, he played well against the boards, and he attempted to match the grit that the Bruins are known for. No one will ever compare to the Big Bad Bruins, but Lance Bouma gave 110% tonight which earned my respect because he tried to play Bruins-style hockey. I have nothing but respect for players who can step up their own game to match their opponents.

Sean Monahan took a lot of pushing and shoving in Boston. It was after the hit from Marchand that send Monahan into the boards head-first at an awkward angle when I thought maybe Monahan would have to leave the game. But, no, Monahan stayed in the game, shook it off, and kept plugging away at the Bruins net. My prediction: this kid is going to do great things in the NHL.

My 1 Star
You all knew this was coming, so I hope you’re not surprised or disappointed in me for picking my 1 Star from the opposing team.

Jarome Iginla. With 2 shots on net, 1 hit, and 2 assists in the game, Iggy has proven to me that he is now a bonafide Bruin. On a line with Chara and Krejci, Jarome looks like the player who led the Flames down the Red Mile in 2004. He may not be in a leadership position anymore, but I think it’s relieved some of the pressure that he had in Calgary to lead a dying team. Now he’s able to shine in the right position on a team. He reads plays, he hits hard, he’s in the right place at the right time, and his instincts are still one of his best qualities as a hockey player. He may not be the fastest skater on the ice, but Iginla fits in well on the Boston team. Thank you, Boston Bruins, for rekindling the flame that was once Jarome Iginla.