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Flames Continue Playoff Worthy Play; 3-1-0 Since AllStar Break... |
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Last night was a big game for the Calgary Flames as they took to the ice against the Winnipeg Jets.
The two teams are neck and neck in the Western Conference, and the Jets have a three point lead over the Flames when it comes to a race for those final playoff spots. Given the above, and the fact that Winnipeg entered the game on a three game losing streak, winning was crucial for the visiting team as they try and fend off those at home.
That said, the Flames were able to dominate in the third period (once again) to take a 5-2 win over the Jets in what was an exciting game for a couple of reasons.
It didn't take long to see the game’s first goal, and that would come from the Jets, who are looking to get back on the winning track as they're winless since the NHL's All-Star Break.
Blake Wheeler would score his 14th goal of the year just about a minute in after he finished off a Bryan Little setup, blasting one by Jonas Hiller and opening up the scoreboard.
This was the start Winnipeg was looking for and their first line would get the job done.
The Flames, however, would get on the scoreboard just minutes later as Calgary capitalized on a horrible Winnipeg line change and David Jones would score a weak backhand shot that would just trickle past Michael Hutchinson – two goals in the first five minutes of the game.
There would be no more goals scored in the opening frame, despite both the Flames and Jets had some quality scoring opportunities. Credit would go to the tenders as they both shut the door to give their respective teams the chance to battle.
The biggest story after the first period would be regarding the young gun, Johnny Gaudreau who left the game holding his wrist and twitter essentially exploded – certainly shows just how much value this particular player has on their franchise.
As mentioned, with about a minute to go, Gaudreau went straight to the dressing room holding his wrist in pain, after he seemed to take skate to the wrist/arm after an incidental collision with Bryan Little in the Flames zone.
To the surprise and relief of many, the youngster would make his back for the start of the second period and wouldn’t miss a shift.
Moving back into game action, the Flames would get off to a quick start in the second period with Mason Raymond streaking down the wing and sniping one top corner past Hutchinson. This would give the Flames their first lead of the game.
The 2nd period had a few solid chances, but shots would remain low as the Flames came out defensively strong. With under 30 seconds to go, Paul Byron would ring a shot off the post after a sweet 2-on-1 pass from Gaudreau after a Dustin Byfuglien pinch.
To end the period, Byfuglien would lay out Jones into the boards behind the net as he tries to get his team going which would see two coincidental given out and the third period starting with some 4-on-4 play.
As I mentioned in the pregame write up, the Jets needed to try and stay out of the box to win this game and yet early in the third period, Mathieu Perreault would take a tripping penalty and offer Calgary a power-play opportunity. Oh and, they scored.
Moments before the Jets penalty expired, Raphael Diaz would score from the point to give the Flames a much needed 3-1 lead. This suddenly becomes a significant problem for Winnipeg because the Flames are an excellent third period team and would not likely hold up against a slumping Jets team.
As if on queue, the Flames would then extend their lead after a bad pinch as Brandon Bollig converted on a bad pinch and give them a 4-1 lead. Out goes Hutchinson, and in comes Ondrej Pavelec.
The Flames third period dominance would only continue as they outshot the visiting team 12-7 and they would maintain a nice comfy lead.
The goal scoring wouldn't stop there, though, as Calgary perhaps got a little too comfortable. The Jets would get back on the board, cutting the Flames lead in half as Little found the back of the net after tapping in a rebound past Hiller.
Monahan would eventually seal the deal for the Flames with about two minutes to go with an empty net goa, for his 17th of the year. Calgary has improved their 10 game record to 7-3-0 and are now sitting in a playoff position, two points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks.
Tomorrow night Calgary will be challenged against the San Jose Sharks who are two points ahead of them in the Pacific Division, and this will be another big game if this group is serious about playoffs.
A win tomorrow night times them for 2nd in the Pacific and should all be help strengthen their odds of wishing the Oilers luck on the putting greens come April. For those paying attention, I mentioned that an important benchmark for me is how teams do coming out of the AllStar break. Calgary is now 3-1-0 since, outscoring their opponents 13-6 and their only loss was a one goal game (total) against the Wild. Good start!
Last night also marked Mark Giordano's 500th career in the NHL. Huge milestone for the undrafted defenceman who currently has 43 points on the season and just completed his first AllStar game.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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