Sixty minutes.
The duration of many
television shows.
The total amount of
time a hockey team is
deemed to apply itself
during the progress of a
traditional NHL hockey
game.
So why can't these
guys figure it out?
The Calgary Flames
carried a 2-0 lead into
the third period in
Anaheim on Sunday night,
but surrendered two
third period tallies to
end in a 2-2 tie.
In the after math of
another tough third
period, another final
frame that resulted in
diminished points in a
frustrating season, is
it reasonable to look
for a sliver lining?
The Flames have only
two losses in their last
eight games, not a bad
record for a team long
since effectively eliminated
from post
season play.
It's the 60 minute
label however, that this
club simply has to solve
in the remaining games
of this season if they
wish to reverse their
fortunes next season.
World beaters for two
periods ... dog's
breakfast for another -
a pattern they've held
all season.
The
two clubs played to a
scoreless first period,
in a building that
hasn't seen a Flame
victory in eight tries.
Much
like the previous night
in San Jose the Flames
carried the strong
majority of the play out
shooting the Ducks by a
14-6 margin.
The
Flames scored twice in
the second period with a
pair of powerplay goals
notched by Jarome Iginla
and Toni Lydman to put
the club up two heading
to the third period.
The
second period was much
like the first frame
with the Flames
dominating to the tune
of 13-6 on the shot
clock - a two period
total of 27-12.
They
just couldn't lock it
down in the third,
however.
The
Ducks found their game
and pressed the Flames
and goaltender Jamie
McLennan for much of the
twenty minutes, out
shooting the Flames
17-8.
When
Paul Kariya failed on a
penalty shot it appeared
that lady luck was on
the visitors side and a
win assured until Petr
Sykora rode some good
fortune to single handedly
sent the game to
overtime.
First
with just under five minutes
to play Sykora was
credited when back
checking Martin Gelinas
directed the puck into
his own net.
That
made things interesting
as the Ducks smelling
blood went full on to
the attack.
Their
good work was rewarded
when Sykora scored again
with the goalie pulled when he banked the puck
in off of defenceman
Robyn Regher to tie
things up.
The
Flames went back on the
attack in overtime, but
failed to score.
Next
up is Los Angeles on
Tuesday night.
