Calgary Flames Captain Leads By Example Against Tampa
By Luke Ryan
The Calgary Flames were spurred to a win against Tampa by their captain, Mark Giordano, who weighed in with two assists and a solid defensive display.
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He was ably assisted, as always, by his defensive partner T.J. Brodie who also tallied an assist and one of the Calgary Flames hottest players right now, Karri Ramo, who had another thirty save night only allowing one goal past him.
It was a night where the Calgary Flames looked beyond the first line talents of Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau for the scoring, instead seeing Matt Stajan, David Jones and Lance Bouma put their names on the board.
It is vital if the Calgary Flames are to make another run at the play-offs for players that offer depth to be scoring the game-winning goals. Tonight, was somewhat the perfect night in that respect – Bouma can be forgiven for the fact his was an empty-netter when we mention the fact it was the depth guys scoring!
Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos was more frustrated by his team than impressed by Ramo in the Calgary Flames net in an NHL.com interview, saying”I’m not taking anything away from [Ramo], but I don’t think we tested him enough.”
From a Calgary Flames perspective, the big Finn between the pipes did everything asked of him; Stamkos’ goal was set up by somewhat of a lucky bounce off the end-boards after all.
Obviously, a shut-out would’ve been the preferred result given the strong defensive play for fifty seven minutes; Kris Russell being another player to stand-out for the Calgary Flames with six blocked shots through the course of the game. However, it wasn’t to be. Sometimes that extra swing of luck just doesn’t happen.
The win marks a return to winning form at home; the Calgary Flames suffered losses to both the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings following the end of their remarkable home winning streak.
So far, so good for 2016. Two Calgary Flames games, two Calgary Flames wins. Hopefully that ‘unbeaten for the year’ statistic can keep going!
Next: Calgary Flames Perfect Capitals Trade Partner?
What did you think of the Calgary Flames against Tampa? Was it a case of Giordano leading by example or do you see it as another Flame leading the line more impressively? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.