Sunday, April 22, 2007

 

Flames Game Day

Game 6, 7PM MT, CBC. Colin Campbell's Wheel of JusticeTM has been spun, and landed on 5 games for Noodles, fines for Playfair and the Flames, and nothing for Iginla or Langkow. In terms of the Flames' chances, I'm relieved Langkow didn't get anything; I think Campbell would have been on fairly solid ground suspending him for a game or two, based on (A) the fact that Lebda apparently has a concussion, and (B) the underlying principle of you can't just go around punching people in the face, but there it is.

As for Captain Jarome Iginla, I don't feel the need to either defend or decry his actions late in the game. If they're down by 4 with a minute or two left in tonight's game, you won't see anything of the sort, but he thought it was important for himself and/or the team to get pissy. Whether it was or it wasn't will be judged through the lens of tonight's result.

I do remember this same thing happening twice during the 2004 playoffs. With seconds left in G4 vDET (4-2 L), Ville Niemenen ran Curtis Joseph (fortunately didn't hit him too hard or injure him). And G2 of the Finals (a 4-1 L) was just a monkey show of majors and game misconducts. Both times the Flames came back with wins. Maybe Iginla thinks the Flames need to play more pissed off (does this mean he doesn't want to hear any more from the coaches about playing with composure? Maybe...). It was, and is, a bit hard to watch. Then again, if he wins the Stanley Cup, they won't be asterisking Iginla's name (*played like dink at end of Rd1 G5).

Much like before G4, I'm prepared for just about anything tonight. Odds are that it's close, I suppose, though I definitely think that yesterday's result could just as easily have happened at the Saddledome. I'm guessing that the game starts extremely physical, then tails off a bit assuming neither team takes a quick 2-goal lead.

Scenarios wherein Calgary wins this series involve the Flames breaking down Detroit's D a bit for more and better 5-on-5 scoring chances, so I think I'll for that tonight:

Calgary 4 (Primeau, Iginla, Tanguay, Phaneuf)
Detroit 1 (Zetterberg)

Go Flames.

Comments:

I still think it was a dirty hit that Langkow was upset about. If he doesn't do something about it is he considered "soft"?

McLennan deserved a couple games, but 5 playoff games? Seems a bit steep to me since Emery got 3 games for going after a face.

Will this perhaps bond the Flames in an "us against everyone else" mindset?

It should be a great game.
 


Will this perhaps bond the Flames in an "us against everyone else" mindset?

Well, that's what Jarome et al were going for, I'm sure. We'll know by 10pm or thereabouts if it worked.
 


Well, that's what Jarome et al were going for, I'm sure.

I'm sure it was more like, "we are sucking ass and I'm really mad" but whatever makes them and their fan base feel better. If they win, everyone will talk about how this helped. If they lose, it will be conveniently ignored. I'm very doubtful that a bunch of stupid penalties and losing your backup goalie tells the Detroit Red Wings that you are an opponent to fear. In fact, doesn't it tell them the exact opposite?
 


The Flames have to suck it up today. They have to quit beating themselves. As an Oiler fan stuck in Calgary I don't cheer for them but for fucks please quit stinking out the joint for you fans. Fer fucks sake it is a game compete. The Wings have done a masterful Reg Dunlop on the Flames... Mind Fucked these pussies.
Noodles I think an intervention is in order.
 


Four solo homers in a row by the Red Sox. WOW. And we're talking HUGE shots, too. That was impressive.
 


Four shots? Way to set the tone in that last game. Pfft.
 


Four solo homers in a row by the Red Sox. WOW. And we're talking HUGE shots, too. That was impressive.

Surely that is a record.

Poor Pena probably got ribbed for striking out after all that!
 


Anyone else and I'm impressed. If it were the Yankees we'd be talking about it for 20 years, because if the Yankees did that they'd have the good sense to WIN THE FREAKING GAME!

Boston? I predict an 11-4 final for the Yankees over the organization that chose to play Bill Buckner at 1b late even though Dave Stapleton was available and the only thing he could DO was catch the ball.

Only the BoSox.
 


I think Boston is ok tonight LT. The Red Sox got into New York's pen in the 4th, the Yankees have had to ride the pen a bit this weekend...this bodes well.
 


perrin said: >>McLennan deserved a couple games, but 5 playoff games? Seems a bit steep to me since Emery got 3 games for going after a face.<<

5 games was fair. Can't be compared to Emery. McSlash managed three chops in just 18 seconds of playing time. Besides, missing Emery for three games was certainly more of an impact than losing McLennan for 5...unless the Lames can't even fill the position of door opener. No one that was bound to see the ice in game 6 was suspended, so there's nothing to whine about. Consider the Flames lucky that Langkow escaped without suspension for a clear sucker punch.

Oh yeah. Go Sox!
 


Iginla from Langkow...

Who needs more than four shots a period?
 


And the "Haaasssss-ek" chants begin... gads, if that isn't the best way to motivate an opposing team, I don't know what is.
 


Can we stop talking about the Steve Smith game, please? Fuuucccckkkkk...
 


flames are making us proud tonight
go jerome! u are an inspiration to us all

the sacrifices made in game 4 were well worth it. look at the jump in their step tonight! detroit is reeling!
 


And now the Flames are reeling...lucky for them its the 2nd intermission. Wings were starting to come on.

-ChrissyT
 


Have the Flames had two good shifts in a row once all game?

Pretty much every scoring chance they've generated has been off the rush. It's only a matter of time until Detroit scores a goal directly related to all the time they're spending in Calgary's zone.
 


For those ABC competitors here, I've just pulled ahead of Marty, 283.33 to 281.67 - I'm wondering if he's got a shot at the coveted "most points in a loss" record. I've got Dice-K and Drew going; he's got Abreu.

I am too excited about this. Go Wings, etc.
 


flames will win in OT

cmon this is calgary they cant lose
 


For those ABC competitors here, I've just pulled ahead of Marty, 283.33 to 281.67 - I'm wondering if he's got a shot at the coveted "most points in a loss" record. I've got Dice-K and Drew going; he's got Abreu.

Oh, I've been watching. I'm cheering for you, if only because it helps me. Plus the whole Red Sox sweeping the Yankees for the first time in 16 years thing.

Look at the shift chart for Huselius. Tanguay, too. What the hell is Playfair thinking?
 


maybe huselius needs a rest because he got bit by a bug, ok? maybe playfair is thinking about health and wellness FIRST, as he should.

you shouldnt jump to conclusions before you criticize the conduct of a winning coach
 


Dan Cleary!!! Shiiiiittttt. Soooo close.
 


Detroit will get the winner off the cycle when one of the Calgary D just doesn't have it in him to make the play. Giordano is under 10 minutes for the night, Zyuzin is terrible, Phaneuf is inexperienced, Hamrlik is not a 27 minute man and Warrener is literally falling apart. Stuart is the only D who's capable of doing what's asked of him and it'll kill Calgary.

I'll take Bertuzzi.
 


I'll take Hamrlik trailing the play.
 


I'll take Papelbon guaranteeing Tyler the victory.
 


it'll be phaneuf with a rocket from the point.
 


No question that some of the Sox bats will awaken but they'll need to make serious ground on the Yanks before Mussina and Wang come back and that top nine starts eating teams alive.

Overall, huge SP edge to Sox and offensive edge to NY and neither team has a pen that resembles the Shaw-Scott-Rojas-Wetteland quartet.

Anyone see tonight's Sopranos ep? I am in love with that series again. Last week's ep was gold and tonight's wasn't far off.
 


My God this powerplay is killing me. Fucking Kipper.

The Yanks are on pace for over 600 innings from relief pitchers, Dennis. No way they win the division like that. They need to trade a bat. Once Manny gets back to form, the Sox are gonna own those fuckers.
 


I wish the refs would be honest and call that a makeup call, not a hook.
 


I'm loving the Chelios/Iggy battle. Any other time, and I'd be begging for Iggy to beat that old, dirty bastard to within an inch of his life.
 


how about that kipper, eh? he's stopped 50 shots so far!
 


What are the shots total- 53-18?? The Flames have no business being in this one. Poor Kipper.
 


if there's an award for "being outstanding even while giving up a bunch of goals because you're team is being owned", Kipper would get it for all the games in det.

plus this one.

AG, no one will own that yanks top nine. once Ugly gets back and poseda and damon heals, no one can own them.
 


well maybe detroit should find a goalie every bit as good as kipper

i'm tired of the argument that kipper "steals" games for the flames. hes an integral part of the team, and any nhl franchise that doesnt show up prepared has no business playing against the calgary flames

kipper's going to make the wings resign in frustration tonight, i can feel it. hes not going to let anything come thru
 


I think he needs 77 stops to make the record
 


AG, no one will own that yanks top nine. once Ugly gets back and poseda and damon heals, no one can own them.

I'd take the bet on that one. They have two starters in Wang and Pettite. Three if Mussina is okay. And their bullpen is awful, man. Unless they make changes, they are in trouble. You can't win every game 9-7, especially in that division. Same reason the Jays can't win in the AL East. I expect the old man and his "brain trust" in Florida to demand trades, and soon.
 


Steve Armitage talking to Wings assistant coach Paul Maclean: "You didn't score the series winning goal on the four minute powerplay in overtime, Paul. Would you consider that a missed opportunity?"

And he had to go to school to ask a question like that.
 


Actually, Hrudey has the saves record of 73 back in 1987.
 


I think Cashman has more of a rein on Big Stein than ever before. Agreed on their pen but it's only a matter of time before Clemens swoops in to prop up the rotation and who's out there on a rental tip for starting pitching or relief come the deadline?

Yanks are not complete just yet.

As for the Jays, I feel dirty for saying this because I'm old school Expos but I'm keeping an eye on TO and they just have some bad luck. Outside of Clayton, a healthy Jays lineup is damn good
 


Straw poll time: Kelly Hrudey--the nicest personality in hockey commentary today?

I vote yes.
 


Here's a thought: instead of taking giant slapshots from the slot or the point that are inevitably blocked or go wide, why don't the Wings try a floater or wristshot and hope that they get a screen or a tip.
 


I thought Luongo beat Hrudey's record in the quadruple-overtime game earlier this round.
 


What was that about the Flames still playing?
 


See ya, Shames!

Whoo!
 


Andy, we need a victory thread!
 


WOO HOOO!!! Guess Noodles should have slashed Franzen a bit harder, or just sucker punched him in the face like Langkow did with Lebda.

EAT IT, FLAMES FANS!!!
 


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

what a dirty goal by franzen
 


The Flames fans are stealing the Oilers fans gig: loud noise after a crushing home loss.

Bitches. BTW, was anyone else surprised that Johan Franzen was even able to play tonight after McLennan?
 


you shouldnt jump to conclusions before you criticize the conduct of a winning coach

Say that again?

Actually, Hrudey has the saves record of 73 back in 1987.

Luongo is #2 with 72. It's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, though one more period might have done it.

Someone say something about a floater?
 


Andy, we need a victory thread!

Ahead of you, good buddy. It's up!!!
 


Roger Millions...that one was for you.

Now we just have to get Van and Ana out of this and I can rest.
 


Frazen! And the Flames are off to the golf course - nanana nah nah nanana nah nah hey hey hey good bye!
 


I'm actually cheering for Vancouver. I hate all the other teams in the West even more, so it's a no-brainer.
 


Aw ... crap. Noodles got 5 games for that?? Pfffft, why in my day, a guy who was on the wrong end of a 5 game slash wasn't scoring no double overtime elimination goals against my team, no he wasn't.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Peter Maher said this on the radio, but he only confirmed what I already knew -- the last time the flames won an overtime game that went longer than 1 overtime period was 19 - fucking - 81. Just once, I'd like to see these long overtime games go my way.

Fuck.

Still, I reckon my team will be playoff bound in '08. The Oilers ... um ... not so much.

While it hurts everywhere, I can still have this -- my team claimed the Battle of Alberta this year.

Go Flames.
 


Anyone notice how a chant of "we want the cup" never turns out well?
 


detroit is reeling!

flames will win in OT

it'll be phaneuf with a rocket from the point.

kipper's going to make the wings resign in frustration tonight


Oh, I get it. fever4flames was just trying to debunk The Secret. My hat is off to you, good sir!
 


Still, I reckon my team will be playoff bound in '08. The Oilers ... um ... not so much.

Right now, rosters as is, you'd be making a good assumption.

But I'd advise we save that conversation until, oh, let's say August 1st. Things will change a bunch before then.
 


O, for me last night was part one of two in the series where I sit back in April and wait for the Flames to get knocked out because A: they're our chief rivals and B: it's not like we'll have a team to cheer for come April;)

The NW is a brutal group and I can't see Lowe doing enough to get us back to the playoffs. I don't think he has the chops, I don't think he has the assets and I don't think the EIG's prepared to spend enough. And I don't think that total health will help us into the top 8 either.

Of course the good news is that by '09 some of our kids might have matured a little more and if the Flames keep drafting in their current manner, there's no question they'll be on their way back down save Kipper and a couple of others.
 


Dennis:

He can.

I just don't think he's smart enough to. Apparently he's pushing for larger budget, and if this team is willing to spend and admit mistakes (say.. Joffrey Lupul, anyone?) then anything is possible.

Problem is, I don't think they will.
 

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