Game Takes: Jackets 3 Flames 2 (OT)

March 21st, 2015 | Posted in Game Takes | By: D'Arcy McGrath

You hear it in October. You hear it in November, and January and March. Every point counts, and you don’t want to let any get away.

Earlier this month the Flames stole a point in Ottawa with an improbable third period comeback from a four goal deficit, tonight the Flames blew a third period lead and lost in overtime to a non playoff team on home ice, dropping a 3-2 decision in overtime to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

You hope that lost point isn’t the one they’ll look at in three weeks as the one that got away.

The Flow

Can’t fault the Flames for their start or play in the first period as they really took the play to the Jackets, out shooting them 12-6 but coming away all tied up at one. The Flames opened the scoring on a powerplay when Johnny Gaudreau took the puck to the net, and fed Hudler who one touched it to Sean Monahan fired home his 29th of the season. The Jackets tied it when Ryan Johansson made an amazing saucer pass across to former Flame Rene Bourque.

The second was more of the same. Calgary out shoots the Jackets 12-8 but can only solve Bobrovsky once, a Hudler goal from Monahan early in the frame. The Flames keep pushing but can’t solve the goaltender again, and head to the third with a one goal lead.

The Jackets tie it early in the third period, as Calgary pushes once more running up a 14-9 shot margin for a game total of 38-23 but the game goes to overtime on the strength of Bobrovsky’s goaltending. This one didn’t feel right, and it didn’t end the way Calgarians would have hoped when Bourque scores again in overtime to give the Jackets the improbable win.

Three Stars

1.Sergei Bobrovsky: A goaltender can solve a lot of problems, as Bobrovsky was the show topping 38 of 40 shots to earn game star honours.
2.Sean Monahan: Just keeps chugging along, scoring his 29th of the season and adding an assist.
3.Jiri Hudler: Another two point game for the Flames veteran, goal and an assist.

The Goat

Hartley often suggests you don’t win many games when your goaltender doesn’t out play his opposite number down the ice. While outplaying Bobrovsky would have been tough, Ramo needs to be better than an .885 save percentage in a game the Flames need. Likely means we see Hiller on Monday night.

Mr. Clutch

Kris Russell. 30+ minutes of ice time, two more block shots so I’m willing to over look his gaff leading to the tying goal for Columbus.

Odds and Ends

Calgary’s point moves them two ahead of the Kings who lost in regulation to the Canucks. The Wild, Canucks and Jets all win, which doesn’t help the situation much, but if the battle is to stay ahead of the Kings mission accomplished in a subdued way. … The Kings start a tough Eastern road trip Monday night with games in Jersey, Manhattan, Long Island and Minnesota. Those four games could go a long way in determining the final playoff spot this season. If the Kings make hay their schedule will get easier and you have to like their chances. But if they stumble, it might be the opening the Flames are looking for. … So who hates afternoon games? I know I do. Drizzly night in Calgary, would love to settle in and watch a game on TV, but instead our game is over and I have to struggle through an Oiler game. … Hate to see a point get away, but the Flames once again played a pretty solid game. You walk that game out 10 more times this season and I’d have to think they will secure a playoff spot. … Calgary needs at least 10 points in their final 10 games, but 12 if they want to take the anxiety out of it. Ten games ten to 12 points, what a situation. Just never thought the city would be in this position this season. This rebuilding stuff is fun! …

Next Up

Game four of the five game road trip comes up Monday night when the Dallas Stars come to town, game time 7pm Sportsnet.

Lines:

Lance Bouma – Mikael Backlund – David Jones
Brendan Bollig – Matt Stajan – Michael Ferland
Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Jiri Hudler
Mason Raymond – Markus Granlund – Joe Colborne

Deryk Engelland – TJ Brodie
Kris Russell – Dennis Wideman
Dave Schlemko – Rapha Diaz

Kari Ramo



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