With the amount stress Calgary Flames fans have experienced in the past week, one might think you had been riding the emotional highs and lows of a teenage girl who is trying to fit in at a new school. But yet, this all comes thanks to a team destined to pull at the heart strings of its faithful followers to the bitter end. It is the ultimate love-hate relationship.
The Flames began the week by beating an L.A. Kings team that most think will finish in the top of the Western Conference. Spirits were brought back up from the devastating season opening loss to the Oilers and things were looking bright with the Florida Panthers coming into town on Thursday. This should have been a good game to start a small winning streak, however having said that it ended up being two and half hours of some of the worst entertainment you will ever see. Watching the senior lawn bowling championships on the ‘OCHO’ would have out-duelled this snooze fest, but sadly for Flames fans they were left to wallow in self pity for having to pay any sum of money to watch 20 baboons troll around an NHL arena. I felt pity for anyone in attendance as it was difficult enough watching on TV.
The boo’s rained down from the rafters and the Calgary Flames bandwagon was a little roomier heading into the weekend. Luckily, the Flames decided to show up on HNIC and went on to exact a little revenge on the Oilers by beating them 5-3. The new first line gelled instantly. Iggy had a goal and an assist. Tanguay had two goals and a helper and Matt Stajan had three assists. Lo and behold the game when Jokinen is removed from the top line the scoring ensues. Wow Brent, I’m surprised it took you only four games to realize it wasn’t working – a true genius.
The Flames head out this week on their first ‘real’ road trip of the season which will take them through Nashville, Detroit and Columbus. In six games on the road last season against these same three teams the Flames faired quite well: A record of 5-1 and the Flames outscored them 19-8 in the process. The only loss came to the Jackets back on October 13th, 2009—a 2-1 defeat that saw Kipper stop 31 shots but even his heroics were not enough.
Just to keep the running tally going: Backlund’s total power play time on Saturday night was seven seconds. Why put a guy with skill and creativity on a power play unit that has struggled for the better part of the decade? Your guess is as good as mine. This is my ‘issue’ for this year if you haven’t noticed. I ragged on Olli and Dion last year and eventually they were both traded, so I figure if I whine about Backlund not being on the PP, then eventually it might happen. You never know, stranger things have happened...like Olli re-signing in Calgary.
Some quick stats:
Flames goals: 8 for 11 against
Flames shots: 142 for 102 against
PP: 2 for 17 or 11.8% (Ranks 20th)
PK: 14 for 16 or 87.5% (Ranks T-9th)
Faceoff win % : 52.2% (Ranks 14th)
Fighting majors: 4 (Ranks T-6th)
Minors taken: 17 (Ranks T-5th for fewest)
Start the Parade Route
The Leafs are going to win the cup. They are unbeaten and nothing can stop them. Clear out Yonge Street, block off Bloor, stop the traffic on Front because the Leafs are coming! Oh wait, it’s October 18th. Leafs fans are priceless and shameless to boot. At the Flames vs. Oilers game on Saturday night, I witnessed not one but two separate people wearing Dion Phanuef Leafs jerseys at the game. Really? Are you kidding?
That breaks one of the cardinal sins of jersey wearing – Never wear a team’s jersey to a game that isn’t playing in the actual game because you look like a moron. The Leafs weren’t even on the ice anywhere in the world that night! Keep it in your pants Leafs fans. I know 1967 was a long time ago, but it’s mid-October. There is hope in Leaf-land, I will grant you that, but let’s tone it down a notch alright?
For those were wondering the other two sins are as follows:
Never have your last name on your jersey – you never played for the team, so try and pretend. And secondly whatever you do, never, and I mean never tuck in your jersey to your jeans. You look absolutely ridiculous.
See image here for a great example: http://bit.ly/aVnlci
New Lease for Coyotes?
It looks as if the Desert Dogs might have an owner after all. For a team that has NEVER, not once, turned a profit in the near 15 years it has been in Phoenix, it looks like with a new lease on the arena the Yotes will not be moving after all. The asking price from the NHL is supposedly $170 million. Seems like a savvy investment move to me (Seinfeld eye roll). Having said that we have seen many potential owners come and go and there may still be hope for the Phoenix franchise to move north of the 49th. Winnipeg? Quebec? Hamilton? Does it matter? As long as the address reads: CANADA.
Rottenburger is back
Cheered as he took the field yesterday Big Ben had a fantastic return leading his Steelers to a 28-10 victory over the rival Browns. There was apparently a gathering of about 20 people outside Heinz field protesting the game and Ben’s return to the line-up. Yes, he was accused of sexual assault, but who is NFL hasn’t been, really? Other players have killed people (Donte Stallworth) and have received less flack. Let’s put this in perspective. It will all be forgotten by week 10.
QB Carousel to continue?
Kolb. Vick. Vick. Kolb. Vick. Vick. Kolb. Kolb. ?
Your guess is as good as mine. You have to however love Andy Reid’s quote after the game yesterday “I’m a chubby head coach and I have two great quarterbacks to choose from, what could be better?” Maybe call up Rex Ryan and ask him where he had his work done? Just a thought.
Boys n’ 9ers
The 1-4 Cowboys and 1-5 49er’s have uphill climbs to make the postseason. Out of these two teams who has a better shot at making the playoffs? I put my money on SF and the easier division. In my mind Dallas is done. Like dinner.
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
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