Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
It was almost exactly what I had expected, except the Flames didn’t win. I knew it would be a relatively close game between the Calgary Flames and the Winnipeg Jets because there were only five points seperating them in the standings before tonight’s game.
Period one was the write-off tonight as the Jets took control early. With goals by Michael Frolik and Evander Kane, the Jets were up by two going into the second period.
Period two looked more promising for the Flames crew as Jiri Hudler scored early to put some air in the Flames tires. The Jets netted another one but that didn’t deter the no-quit Calgary team. With two powerplay goals by Sean Monahan and Kris Russell, the Flames tied the game going into the last period.
The last frame started out well enough, but the Jets came on strong and Paul Postma put them up by one goal again. The Flames fought back but it wasn’t quite enough. With an empty net goal, the Jets won 5-3.
My 1 Star
Kris Russell. He covered his defensive position well, he was in every play, and he kept the puck in the offensive zone. He ended up with a goal in tonight’s game because of his patience and smart play. With 23:56 time on ice, Russell proved his two-way play was well worth the resigning this season.
It was a great Fan Appreciation Night at the Saddledome during the last Flames home game of the season. Fans were loud and boisterous and gave the team the well-deserved standing ovation that they worked hard to earn this year. Some of the guys threw their sticks into the crowd for fans while Harvey The Hound stood aside and cheered along with the fans.
The Flames take on the Canucks in Vancouver on Sunday in their season-ender. Gaudreau and Arnold are expected to play that night in their NHL debuts. I’ll keep you updated with all the information as things progress.
Go Flames Go!