Flames vs. Sharks Game Thread
San Jose Sharks at Calgary Flames, Mar 19, 2010 6:00 PM PDT
Sitting in the back of a carMusic so loud I can't tell a thingThinking 'bout what to sayAnd I can't find the linesBig Star - Back of a Car
The Flames return to their uncomfortable home this evening, still trying to unlock the mysteries of a desultory home record, still trying to fix the apparently unfixable, still too close to nowhere. The win over the Avalanche was certainly nice enough, in that losing the first four games of the season series to Colorado has been one the causes for the standings ditch the club is lying in at the moment, but it's no end. The disappointments of earlier this week still have matters on a very fine edge, with any future loss another merciless shovelful on the grave.
Tonight, the Flames meet a club that sent them to the signature loss of their year, a night where the phrase "one-way traffic" wasn't a strong enough descriptive for the display on ice. Calgary will face the visitors from the Bay absent yet another useful player as well, negating some of the advantages of the depth added since January. Desperate times, indeed.
All that noted, the gents that are at the heart of the club still remain in place, and it's those men that will be tested this evening by one the league's better top-ends. Rene Bourque himself noted the lackluster play that preceded Wednesday's outburst on his part. That sort of output is certainly on the wishlist for this evening, with Thornton et al staring them down. Iginla and Stajan have found wanting against better players on too many nights, so if a win is in the cards that trend needs a night off.
With the challenges that the first unit faces, Daymond Langkow's line needs to find a way to be productive. It's pretty clear that Christopher Higgins just seemed to fit the needs of that line better then Niklas Hagman. The Finn has enough pedigree that one would hope that he's just in a low spot for the moment, but he hasn't appeared comfortable any place in the top six since arriving from Toronto, and with his skill level, that can't stand.
The Dawes-Conroy-Moss line seems to be the one set thats been on song the last few games, and Dawes' own play just reinforces my feelings that he should have been playing from the get-go after the Olympics. Leaving him in a suit while inferior players were iced, well, I talked enough about Brent Sutter Wednesday, didn't I? Just add it to the list, I suppose.
As one would have suspected with Curtis Glencross on the limp, Mikael Backlund returns to the lineup. Wise, too. Brain McGrattan's skill set isn't really required at the moment, so the actual hockey player it is. The Swede will apparently slide right into the fourth line spot vacated by number 20, and if he gets a bit of second unit PP time, I'd be unsurprised.
The D stays as is, despite the obvious impostor in the top four. I can't really add to Kent's dissection of the Steady One, except to agree that he's over his head. Not his fault, of course. The brother act in charge gets full, er, credit, for the why and how of it all.
Kipper needs to be as successful as Vesa Toskala has been of late for the Flames to win this evening...
and of all the things I never, ever, ever, considered I'd have to type in any serious way, that's right up there with, "I love salad", "Antiquing is totally underrated as a pass time", and , "Sure, I'll go see Loverboy. They're friggin' awesome." Uh, anyway, go get 'em, 34.
The Sharks lost to the Canucks last night 3-2, so hopefully they're a bit short on legs this evening. Beyond the clear danger that the first line poses, Joe Pavelski has to accounted for when considering match-ups. He torched the Flames in the January debacle, ringing up a goal and three assists, and he was 1 and 1 last night in last night's loss at the Garage. One spot that the Flames should, at least in theory, try to exploit is the older Shark D on night two of a B2B. Wallin, Blake and Boyle aren't kids, which might mean tired legs if the Flames can get any forecheck pressure going. Marc-Edouard Vlasic is a fairly useful guy in a shut-down role, and he's close to a return, so for the short-term hopes of Calgary, one hopes he takes another evening to heal. As well, the Shark bottom six never really seems like much, and they rarely have to be, but is another spot that Calgary has to try to work on. Evgeni Nabokov played last night, so maybe Thomas Greiss gets an outing, but the Sharks have Phoenix in surprising proximity at the top of the Pacific standings, which could affect Todd McLellan's goalie decision.
Game wise, as I mentioned, the Flames have to try to win this one against the lower orders of the Shark line-up, because the top-six battle seems an unlikely place for success. I did note, even from a distance in Austin, that the Flames managed a goal with an extra man. Speaking of things I never thought I'd be typing...anyway, more, please.
Finally, an indulgent word if I might. Anyone reading this blog is doing better than the excellent gentleman who penned the lyrics I quoted to start today's piece, and frankly, it's been a bit dusty in here as I've been listening to a lot of Big Star this morning. I had every intention of seeing his planned show on Saturday as a worthy end to my visit to SXSW this year, part of a long held wish to attend a show by someone that was the influence for so much of the music I listen to. If you younger types are unfamiliar and you enjoy melodic power pop, well, the internet is a wonderful place for more than just reading this stuff. Rest in peace, Alex.
The Flames are still with us, if barely, so they're doing better as well, and that's no little thing. Game time is 7 MT on Sportsnet West.
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226 comments
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Comments
Kipper needs to be as successful as Vesa Toskala has been of late for the Flames to win this evening…
and of all the things I never, ever, ever, considered I’d have to type in any serious way, that’s right up there with, “I love salad”, “Antiquing is totally underrated as a pass time”, and , “Sure, I’ll go see Loverboy. They’re friggin’ awesome.” Uh, anyway, go get ’em, 34.
Because it bears repeating.
by Kent Wilson on Mar 19, 2010 1:33 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I see you’re a little more famous than before!
by SmellOfVictory on Mar 19, 2010 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s why she’s so uppity all the time, eh? ;)
jk, wi =D
by SmellOfVictory on Mar 19, 2010 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
1. it depends on your definition of “celeb.”
2. it depends on your definition of “pals around with”
3. it depends on your definition of “uppity.”
i’m pretty flattered that puckdaddy has me on the shortlist of opinionated (read: cynical) female bloggers in the world and enlisted me for an opinion on the bikini issue. i’m also pretty flattered that when george stromboulopoulos gets an eyeful of dion, he feels compelled to text me a pic. i wouldn’t necessarily say i pal around with any (either ?) of ’em….
i WOULD, however, say i’m pretty effin’ uppity most of the time. :P
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
As far as Canadian celebrities go, G.S. is pretty friggin’ top-notch! I love that guy.
by SmellOfVictory on Mar 19, 2010 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Higgins is questionable tonight so if he can’t go tonight I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays Sunday or for sure Tuesday.
As for tonight the Flames just have to play smart the Sharks aren’t playing very well hockey right now and this is a perfect time for the Flames to take advantage of another club coming off a b2b.
If anyone can find what Nabokov’s record coming off b2b’s that would be great but what are the chances we see Thomas Griess tonight. Though I believe if the Sharks get 2 points tonight they clinch playoff spot not positive though.
Go Flames Go! I’m hopeful for tonight.
GO FLAMES GO!!!
Oh, please, please, PLEASE, let us see Thomas Griess tonight.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions
griess, if i’m not mistaken, is the guy that i always think the announcers are calling “christ.”
ie: i think he’s awesome. :)
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Him and pickles on the same team! Amazing!
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s still amazing.
(I was going to make an awful joke, but I’ll spare you all.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe it’s games like tonight that went into the thinking of the Steve Staios acquisition. And no, I’m not talking about the Flames game, but the Edmonton-Detroit game. As we all know, Detroit is in the vigorous playoff battle with the Flames for that 8th and final playoff spot and that Detroit plays Edmonton 2 more times this season (including tonight).
What I`m trying to say is though, is that by eliminating Steve Staois from the Edmonton blueline, maybe Sutter realized that would give the Oiler`s a better chance of beating Detroit, hence helping Calgary`s playoff hopes. And this isn`t to mention the inspiration factor that the Oiler`s players now have to help ol`locker room Steve get back into the postseason.
IT`S ALL COMING TOGETHER.
Aaron Johnson has been thier best blueliner since the trade, so this theory, while a joke, may have more credence then thought. Let’s face it, Daz is crazy enough to think like this.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions
There have never been truer words spoken.
The 4th Line Blog
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by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
(for the first shift or two, anyways) ;)
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions
azevedo
You should have a weekly mailbag at the 4th Line Blog. Answer questions about sports, life, etc.
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 5:33 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
RoBlo —-when the eff are YOU gonna start writing ?
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions
What are you talking about? I’ll be here on the game thread
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 5:45 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Holy crap is that a good idea. Starts tommorow.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 6:40 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
i didn’t realize how auburn ian white was…. that dude needs to grow a good playoff beard in calgary. he fits the description (read: lanny, lowry, commodore etc.)
I’m thinking that he will have made good headway with his detractors by the end of the season. His toolbox is pretty solid.
by SmellOfVictory on Mar 19, 2010 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Some very sloppy clearing attempts, but good effort otherwise so far.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:20 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Backlund wins a race for the puck against two Sharks, then wins a battle along the boards against two. I like!
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:28 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
i’ve been a fan all along. he’s taken some big strides since he got here.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
“Calgary penalty #17: two minutes because the Sharks need help.”
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:35 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Holy shit! 2-0? Are they just playing bad or what?
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 6:37 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Nah. We’ve actually generated some really good chances off good passing.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:44 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
i would’ve thought maybe even better than that. solid period.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions
hm. i should pay more attention and eat less sushi.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions
14-6, actually.
And 2-0 Edmonton somehow.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:49 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
A lot of distant dump-ins. Not a lot of scary chances.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:53 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not sure if Joe Thornton is still in Olympic form, or if he is rounding into playoff form early. Mostly invisible, aside from whining after the opening face off.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:47 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Indeed. And he is taking his frustrations out on … Nothing.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 6:55 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Lazy D = GA. Heatley should never have been that open.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 7:05 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
mikeH makes a good point: why do the rest of the lines not sit a guy in the slot with another guy infront of the net ???
Because that would make far too much sense.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 7:17 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Azevedo have you thought about a weekly mailbag at the 4th line yet?
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions
RoBlo, have you thought about blogging yet ?
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh thats what you meant. No blogging for me I just enjoy commenting, but mailbags are my favorite an I feel Azevedo would be a great mail bag guy
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
agreed. if you change your mind, lemme know : walkinvisible@gmail.com
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Doing it. Email your questions to justin.azevedo20(at)gmail.com.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 7:22 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Do they have to be hockey related. I have lots of questions but they are more life related
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL. it’s too bad ideabong.com closed down. it gave great advice.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
No. I’m open to anything.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Ok i have a question I’ll ask to help you warm up. I went to UVic for my first year and was in residence. On halloween, there was a strict NO FIREWORKS policy on campus. Naturally, we bought a shitload of fireworks, the ones with a big wooden stick attached on the side so you can stick them upright in the ground so you have time to run away before they go shooting into the sky. Anyways, one of my dumbfuck friends got drunk on the 2nd night of Halloween (We celebrated the Friday, Saturday and the actual Halloween on Monday) and kicked a glass door in our dorm down- they cost 800 bucks to replace. Anyways, the RAs called a building meeting to bitch us out about it, but before the building, we got a bunch of the fireworks and planted them around the window. We snapped cigarettes in half and stuck them on to the fuses, so they would not ignite and blast off for about 10 minutes. No doubt about it, 10 minutes later, a bunch of fireworks blasted off and it pretty much got all of us out of trouble, because they assumed we were a bunch of hoodlums who kicked the door down. But since we were right there at the time the fireworks went off, they realized there were other toublemakers in the building who were probably responsible for the fireworks and hence, the door. I have been haunted by this, because I always wondered what if somebody walked too close to the fireworks right before they went off and went through their eye or somehow seriously harmed them. anyways My question is: am I going to hell for leaving a potentially fatal firework mine field unattended outside of my residence building?
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions
No. If there were injuries, you would have heard about it. Deans are dickheads. Additionally, you would have to be an idiot to approach fireworks, especially ones where there are parts glowing. So, feel comfortable knowing any injury caused would have been by way of natural selection and stupidity. And don’t worry about the 800 bucks-between government funding, endowments, and tuition, the 800 bucks won’t make too much of a dent in the bank account.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions
a fine answer for RoBlo, but what if the guy was a canucks fan ?
by walkinvisible on Mar 20, 2010 6:50 AM PDT up reply actions
If he was a Canucks fan, he would have been a irresponsible douche who could have killed someone and should turn himself in to the university police for breaking campus law.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 20, 2010 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions
sorry that was re: stajan, not re: mickis
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ve steadily developed a mancrush on him this year. AWESOME.
by SmellOfVictory on Mar 19, 2010 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I like Backlund.
And Gio got owned on that play.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 7:22 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
my favorites have to take turns being my favorites, i guess.
ian white is also struggling tonight in a big way.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Before the game, or before that shift?
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 7:25 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Iggy mauled him. Lol
Take your helmet off Clowe, you pussy!
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 7:37 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Iggy does the same thing every time when he fights, and no one picks up on it.
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 7:38 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
i’m all for fighting but i think you should have the option on whether or not to take your helmet off (which you do). i don’t think it’s part of “the code,” and i don’t think you should be called a pussy because of it….. if you break your hand or your nose —no big deal. if you fall and whack your noggin’ it could feasibly be the end of your career.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions
The helmet always comes off anyway. He had time and Iginla had enough respect to remove his lid. Clowe was a chickenshit.
Far, far more players are injured punching helmets than are hurt falling to the ice.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 7:44 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Though it needs to be noted that very, very few injuries come from fighting.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 7:46 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
then that makes iggy the idiot who’s punching a helmet i guess. i dunno. i’ve had this argument a few times (gio keeps his lid on) and i think that you shouldn’t be called a pussy because you’re not interested in getting concussed.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Gio’s fights don’t usually involve the time to remove the helmet, which is a different situation.
But when your opponent removes his like that, you gotta too. That is just basic respect.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 7:52 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
disagree totally. it should be your call and you shouldn’t be called disrespectful for it.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions
okay so, hypothetically, the other night —-boston v. pittsburgh, if matt cooke didn’t want to take his helmet off to fight, should he just not have fought ?
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Matt Cooke had to answer for his cheap shot, so frankly, he had no “choice” on the matter. But yes, if that fight set up like this one and his opponent removed his hat, Cooke should have too.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:02 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
see, i disagree. i think cooke was being “respectful” by answering the bell, but if he didn’t want to take his helmet off, he shouldn’t have to.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions
but i’m not sure why that means he has to expose himself to the possibility of concussion.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Good news the Wings are playing like crap so if you hang on and win you will get a bit of room
Show me the CUP
2-1 now. i’m guessing we shouldn’t keep our hopes up.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions
“Innocent shots from the point are usually what win’s you games” – Charlie Simmer
WE FINALLY KNOW THE SECRET
maybe dion should try to be more innocent
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Who is imitating an NHL goalie for Edmonton tonight?
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:10 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Jeanette going out pf his way to save Nabokov. Two quick whistles on wide open puck.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:04 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Commercial Break unrelated question
Did anyone see those text messages that porn star released? Tiger woods has quite the dirty mind
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:07 PM PDT reply actions
i had to go on urbandictionary to know what Tiger was talking about half the time.
“No turkey, unless it’s a club sandwich”
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Lets just say a year ago, I didnt think I would EVER say “Tiger Woods” and “Golden Shower” in the same sentence
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Never
Text
Your
Mistress!
Guaranteed blackmail.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:12 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Ouch Backlund, back to the press box with you laddie
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:15 PM PDT reply actions
Meh, that’s why they’re called Rookie mistakes. Other then that one play I thought he was excellent out there, he made shit happen… I like players who make shit happen.
he had a kickass game. i’m really glad that one didn’t matter, in the end.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Funny how Joanette magically saw the open puck in our crease, but not theirs…
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:15 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
i totally thought the same thing. meh. happens.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Exhibit B of why Clowe is a chickenshit, pussy, disrespectful clown.
;)
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:17 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
i would say exhibit A but we can agree to disagree. ;)
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Our powerplay is why we are fighting for 8th instead of 3rd.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:19 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Bouwmeester you fucking retard. You clear that puck and they don’t score.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:27 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
i do not like the look of this.
except, of course, for in my fantasy pool where i have langkow, gio, and boyle all playing tonight.
who, by the way, are all in the three stars.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Stupid decision to try to score ther, and even worse icing call by the linesman.
by Resolute on Mar 19, 2010 8:29 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Quite the understatement
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 8:33 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Roger Millions reminds me of Tara McCool. Bedroom eyes in the backlund interview
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:32 PM PDT reply actions
Mickis wants to play in playoff.
Us here for the time being are THE BIGGEST OIL FANS ON THE PLANET. Even bigger then the folk in E-Town.
GO FLAMES GO!!!
mickis just wants some red mile action
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Where in the Fuck is R O i want to hear his postgame thoughts
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:35 PM PDT reply actions
As thoughtful as Simmer is I like R Os analysis better. Much less use of the word ‘physical’
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions
RO doesn’t live in calgary, i don’t think…… thought i could be wrong.
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Dang I miss his postgame thoughts and No im not being a cynical dick, he actually has a pretty neat perspective on hockey. Makes you think a bit more I guess
by Rod Blogojevich on Mar 19, 2010 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Hes dancing in a field of elderberries and rainbows celebrating the win
The 4th Line Blog
Go Flames Go
by Justin Azevedo on Mar 19, 2010 8:36 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
i think the wings just tied it with .01 second left
by walkinvisible on Mar 19, 2010 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Let’s not get into the deserve crap.
If you’re in the final 8 you deserve to be their.
Let’s hope the Oil can usher that pre 09-10 shootout record.
GO FLAMES GO!!!

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