Calgary fans got their view of Calgary depth down the middle on Wednesday, with Mikael Backlund returning from a 29 game absence to force Markus Granlund to the farm; they quite likely enjoyed what they saw.
The Flames came up short, losing 3-2 to the Red Wings but the game itself was one of the Flame’s strongest in the last few weeks, and a positive sign for things to come potentially.
And that had better be the case if the Flame’s want to make the playoffs. They’ve now reached the midway point in the season, and have lots of work to do.
The Flow
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About as good a start as one could hope for from a team that hasn’t played since Friday, as the Flames ran up a 8-1 shot lead in the first period, and a one goal lead on a Mason Raymond wrap around off his own rebound. Calgary was controlling the play and was unlucky not to be up two after a dangerous powerplay generated four shots and good chances, but it was the Wings that tied things up when Sheahan drove wide and caught a sleepy Kari Ramo going down early and not protecting his post. Tie game after one.
A chess match in the second period, both teams play careful, but strong hockey in limiting chances against and keeping the period scoreless. The Wings go ahead late in the second when Zetterberg pounces on a bouncing puck in front of the net and beats Hiller, sending the game to the third period with the Flames once again looking for a come from behind story.
Calgary goes down by two when the Wings score on a powerplay, the penalty to Josh Jooris. Things seemed pretty glum at that point, especially when the Flames were whistled again for another minor. However its the Flames that score on this Wing powerplay with Byron chipping the puck to Backlund for his second of the season on a back hander. From there the Flames hit a goal post, then score but Mrazek’s mask was off, then score again but the play was offside in a crazy finish that saw the comeback kids come up one short.
Three Stars
1.Justin Abdelkader:Solid Wing, scores the game winner in the third period after his initial shot hit the post, added an assist as well.
2.Mikael Backlund: Great first game back for Backlund with a goal and an assist and all kinds of ice time.
3.Henrik Zetterberg: Does the same feat as the first two stars with a goal and an assist of his own.
Big Save
Late in the third the Flames trailing by one, captain Mark Giordano coughs up the puck to Nyqvist who steps in all alone but is foiled when Hiller gets his pads closed tight on the five hole attempt.
The Goat
Calgary goaltending. Ramo gives up a brutal first period goal short side, and Hiller gives up two goals on 9 shots as the duo finishes with 19 saves on 22 shots.
Mr. Clutch
Kris Russell. Can’t believe this guy hasn’t scored a goal yet this season. Leads the Flames with a +2 rating on 26 minutes of ice time in another solid outing for the Flames third defenseman. So unheralded.
Odds and Ends
So interesting to see Mikael Backlund back in the lineup tonight, shocking that the Flames managed to survive so well without him. He was huge last season in the second half taking over the Flame’s top center role and becoming the forward poster boy for advanced stats. His zone entries this season (his injured 11 games) are second to only rookie Johnny Gaudreau which created a discussion at work today. It was assumed you would never play the two together if they’re 1 and 2 in zone entries, better to spread the wealth. The other argument centered on coverage and defending against two players on the same line that both like to carry the puck. Interesting. … Speaking of Backlund, really hoping this isn’t one of those adrenalin comeback first game situations, as the Flames really need that kind of push every night. His two points were great, but you also had to be impressed with his ice time as he pulled in 18 minutes, fourth for forwards behind Monahan, Glencross and Colborne. …. With Ramo likely concussed have to think Ortio is on his way up from the AHL. That could effect his all star appearance although I doubt he could care less. If he does come up, the Flames have back to back games this weekend so he could step right in. His amazing play in the farm has me interested to see if this could be one of those Mike Vernon up from the farm and never looks back situations (clearly minus the drive to the Stanley Cup Final). … The Flames really need to beat the Panthers on Friday night, hopefully they are all kinds of distracted with the Luongo return to Vancouver slated for tomorrow night. A 4-2 home stand keeps pace for a playoff spot. A 3-3 stand isn’t treading water with a tough road trip ahead.
Next Up
The Flames wrap up this 6 game homestand on Friday night when Roberto Luongo and the Panthers come to town. Game time 7pm on Sportsnet.
Lines:
Curtis Glencross – Sean Monahan – Paul Byron
Johnny Gaudreau – Josh Jooris – Joe Colborne
Mason Raymond – Mikael Backlund – David Jones
Brandon Bollig – Matt Stajan – Lance Bouma
Mark Giordano – TJ Brodie
Kris Russell – Dennis Wideman
Deryk Engellend – Raphi Diaz
Kari Ramo
