Flames Burn Sharks in Overtime

In a tight contest between teams duking it out for the final playoff spots in the Western Conference, the Calgary Flames eked out a 3-2 win over the San Jose Sharks in overtime. I had the pleasure of attending this game live at the Scotiabank Saddledome, and here’s what I saw from my vantage point on the 200 level.

This was not a game the Flames deserved to win. For the most part, the Sharks outplayed them. They were stronger in the offensive zone than the Flames- they pressed early in the third to tie it, and had more quality chances throughout the game. Logan Couture, who accounted for both Shark goals, was always around the net. I also enjoyed watching the Sharks power play, they seem to integrate motion better than Calgary, though they do have more talent to pull it off.

The referees are probably glad to see the end of this game. They got an earful from the Saddledome crowd after a shaky end to the first period. Curtis Glencross was tripped right in front of a referee, and no call was made. Glencross retailed in frustration, hitting a Sharks player from behind into the boards, and drew a five minute major and a game misconduct for his trouble, ending his goal scoring streak at seven games. When the call was announced, a restless crowd booed their disagreement. The referees were booed again coming back onto the ice in subsequent periods, and a “referees suck” chant started after another call was missed later- this time, it was captain Jarome Iginla who was tripped, with no whistle blown.

The Flames did good work killing off that five minute major penalty, with Matt Stajan and Blake Comeau sticking out for yeoman’s work in the defensive zone. Stajan’s promotion to the top line appears to have been an inspired one, and he showed up at both ends of the ice on this night, notching the winning goal in overtime. He has quietly started his own nice points streak, having gotten five in his last four games.

Iggy got his 30th goal in style- Mark Giordano came out of the penalty box, and fires it across for Iginla to pick the corner with his slapshot. What a beauty. The crowd stood for a while after that one.

Sven Baertschi got another goal, with good work close to the net, sliding in to pick off and roof a rebound. I liked what I saw from him: he’s got a good combination of skill and grit, and wasn’t afraid to mix it up, or sneak in and try for second chance shots. Initially, I figured the Flames would send him down once some bodies came back, but he’s shown enough to warrant a continued look.

A win is obviously the best outcome, but another three point game is less of a win for Calgary with the Sharks being one of the teams in that crazy mix in the Western Conference. Everyone between 8th and 11th has 78 points, with the Sharks having played the least games of all the teams tied there. The Phoenix Coyotes (who happen to be Calgary’s opponent on Thursday) are only one point above that mix, at 79. Though the division leading Dallas Stars are only four points above the Coyotes, so that division title (and third place) isn’t out of reach for either of the Coyotes or Sharks.

Go Flames Go!