Random Thoughts - The End is Nigh and New Stats Genesis
Kent Wilson
April 24 2013 09:05AM
Sorry about the lack of post game article last night folks. The truth is, with the end of the season looming and the games mattering less and less, it's becoming harder and harder to muster the fortitude it takes to write about them. For those interested though, here's an overview:
Despite a lackluster line-up, the Flames kept pace for the first half of the game and were even leading 2-1 thanks to a beauty snipe from Brodie and break-away marker from Cervenka. The Predators took over the game after that, though and ended up outchancing the Flames at almost a 2-1 margin overall. The Flames nevertheless made it close via Cervenka's 2nd goal (a tipped point shot) and a last minute flurry with Kipper pulled.
Sven Baertschi had another two assists, moving his point streak to six games.
FGD: Tank Baby Tank
Kent Wilson
April 23 2013 03:29PM
This could be a very peculiar game tonight. The 12th place Flames take on the 14th place Predators and both clubs will be earnestly trying to lose to secure a favorable draft position.
So, in stark contrast to your average game, this will be an entirely different contest of wills: who can out-suck whom? Who can take more penalties, give up the puck at the blueline more often and dress more replacement level bodies? I'd feel sorry for any folks paying money to see the pending debacle tonight, but it might be morbidly interesting as a sort of rare, grotesque spectacle.
Flames Race to the Bottom
Kent Wilson
April 23 2013 10:55AM
The Calgary Flames winning against all odds has been strangely gratifying recently, especially since it has once again catapulted them above the woeful Oilers in the Western Conference (who lost again last night, by the way).
Let's be clear, though - wins are worth less than nothing to the Flames at this point of the season. If you are a fan who takes a principled stand against "playing to lose", that's admirable and I agree the players and coach should never take the ice with the intention of laying down. Pragmatically speaking, though, every standing point earned by Calgary in these last few games is toxic to the long-term health of the club.
Good as Gone, But Kipper was Great
Kent Wilson
April 22 2013 07:31AM
By: Steve MacFarlane
It’s become traditional for NHL teams who win at home to trot out to centre ice and raise their sticks to the crowd.
The fact the Flames players forced Miikka Kiprusoff to make that celebratory twirl alone on Friday night after he backstopped them to a 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks in the Saddledome finale of this lockout-shortened season was extremely telling.
Flames re-sign MacDonald
Kent Wilson
April 20 2013 09:33AM
Calgary announced this morning on twitter that the club has re-signed veteran back-up Joey MacDonald to a one year, $925,000 contract.
During the Flames recent mini rebound, MacDonald has had a good couple of contests, but I'll be frank - I don't really understand this move. At least, I don't understand why it was undertaken now. MacDonald is a 33 year old career journeyman goalie with a .903 career save percentage in the NHL. You can pick those up on the trade or free agent market pretty much any day of the week - hell, Calgary acquired him by picking him off of waivers.
