Ho Hum Flames 3 Hawks 1

The Calgary Flames played one of their best periods of the year, as they played a nearly flawless first period. They were defensively sound in their own zone. The forwards were coming back and giving the defense a target. Backlund scored a beautiful goal as he faked Crawford out of his shorts. Backlund scores his eleventh of the season. If the Flames play like this for the rest of the season, they can become a playoff contender. This system may be boring, but if the players buy into this system, it can work. All it takes is one game at a time. Crawford was very good this period. If it was not for him, it could have been worse.

The second period was pretty much the same, except the Flames made one mistake, and Towes and Kane made them pay. I have to admit, I like the Flames' penalty kill. They were awesome in the second period. They have eased up on the penalties. The kill bailed them out tonight, and stopping the number one kill is no easy task. The Flames and the Hawks tied 1-1 at the end of the second.

In the third period, Kipper was steady. He might not have had much action, but when he was called on, he was there. They did not get off their game, they simply stuck with it. No matter how many saves Crawford made, they stuck to their game. The penalty kill was perfect. Again, outstanding coverage in their own zone. A great pass by Olli to Glencross, and an even better wrist shot by Glencross to put the Flames ahead by one. Bourque scores an empty net goal to put the game away. 3-1 final.

Three stars:

Robyn Regehr

Regehr was steady. I know no one really notices him; we really take him for granted. He is really on his game. I love his leadership right now.

Lance Bouma

Bouma gets a point in his first game of the year. I really like his potential with his skating, as he has shown tonight that he can pass with the best of them.

Miikka Kiprusoft

Kipper was very good. When called upon, he made the save. He was outstanding when he was asked to be. Kipper is really on his game right now.