FGD: Tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiired
Pat Steinberg
February 11 2012 11:45AM
The Calgary Flames return home tonight after a 1-0-2 road trip through the Pacific Division; they'll play their fourth game in six nights against the red hot Vancouver Canucks (8 pm, CBC and Sportsnet 960). Entering action two points back of the final West playoff spot, the Flames also sit 12th in the Conference with 27 games remaining this season. Hopefully a busy week of hockey doesn't play a factor in tonight's meeting for Calgary.
FGD: Dog Days
Pat Steinberg
February 09 2012 11:23AM
For the high end teams, this time of year is kind of when it's really tough to stay motivated for regular season games. The playoffs are around the corner, but they're not here yet, so maybe this is when things slip a little. Just ask Chicago and Boston. They'll tell you they call this the dog days for a reason. The Calgary Flames don't have that luxury, however, as they face some dogs of their own tonight, visiting the Phoenix Coyotes for the first time this season (7 pm, Sportsnet West and Sportsnet 960).
FGD: Replicate
Pat Steinberg
February 08 2012 12:54PM
Last month's 2-1 shootout loss in San Jose for the Flames was the first time Calgary's close-to-the-vest brand of hockey really seemed to pay noticeable dividends against a good team. The Flames took a lead into the third period and forced a shootout against one of the NHL's heavy hitters, largely by limiting their potent opponent. Not much has changed for Calgary, as they'll try to do something similar tonight against the Sharks (8 pm, TSN and Sportsnet 960).
FGD: Crucial Stretch
Pat Steinberg
February 06 2012 11:14AM
If I'm being honest with myself, I don't really see the Calgary Flames falling out of the playoff hunt between now and the NHL's trade deadline at the end of the month. Even with upcoming games against the likes of the Sharks and Canucks, I still see Calgary remaining within striking distance of eighth in the Western Conference. That said, they start a three game road trip tonight in Anaheim that could prove to be very important (8 pm, Sportsnet West and Sportsnet 960).
Postgame: Strong Outing
Pat Steinberg
February 03 2012 10:21PM
While the Chicago Blackhawks ran things at times in the first period on Friday night, the Calgary Flames were able to limit the damage fairly effectively and finished the opening frame even at a goal a piece. That allowed them to use a strong final 40 minutes, which helped them to a solid 3-1 win over the suddenly struggling Chicago Blackhawks. It snapped a three game home losing streak for the Flames and got them back within three points of a playoff spot.
