Grand Theft Karri Ramo, Calgary Flames Win Again!

Nov 29, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Calgary Flames goalkeeper Karri Ramo (31) defends the goal in the first period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, the Calgary Flames would have lost this game. Tonight, our Calgary Flames defeated the Arizona Coyotes 3-0.

Here’s why the Calgary Flames would have lost this game if it were last season. When TJ Brodie opened the scoring for the Calgary Flames at the 4:34 mark of the 2nd period, the Flames were outshooting the Coyotes something like 15-5. By the end of the second period the shots were tied 18-18. Karri Ramo was nothing short of freakin spectacular to close out the 2nd period and allow our Calgary Flames to re-group and go on to win the game!

Now I know many folks will tell you the Flames dominated 45 minutes of this game but last year 15 minutes of watching their goaltender be their best player often sank them. Heck, 5 minutes of watching their goaltender be their best player often sank them. You know when that trend started to see its end last season?? When Karri Ramo had fully shaken off the rust of four years in the KHL.

The best part of Karri Ramo playing so well and earning back-to-back shutouts? He’s still not the #1 goalie in Calgary. That honour goes to Jonas Hiller.

Johnny Gaudreau and Jiri Hudler, who saw their opening shift centerman Josh Jooris miss the entire 1st period after a stick to the face, were on fire tonight.

Johnny Gaudreau continues to master the art of making you stop drinking your beverage mid-throwback just in case you need to cheer.

Jiri Hudler, who very quietly sits tied for 14th in the NHL scoring race, collected points on all three Calgary goals.

The caveat to some of the enthusiasm of this win is that the Arizona Coyotes are legitimate contenders to be bottom two in the Western Conference. Looking lost on a 4 minute powerplay to start the game will not fly when playing “top dogs” like Anaheim or St. Louis. I will erase the caveat if/when our Calgary Flames can/will defeat the Arizona Coyotes again this upcoming Tuesday.

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