Calgary Flames
Game 11 Recap: I Love Surprises
Ten Thoughts
–Lee Stempniak is a pretty good forward. To the casual eye, he’s been completely underwhelming but is killing it in terms of possession. You can chuck Tanguay in here too.
-So Miikka Kiprusoff is making my criticism of him over the summer look kinda stupid. He’s sporting a shiny .930 EVSV% right now.
-Seeing 20 shot blocks for the Flames is pretty nice.
-Iginla had a pretty monster game-except he struggled once again in terms of possession.
-The team was minus in Corsi, but score effects are completely to blame there. However, they rather impressively out-chanced the wings in the third.
-I didn’t hate Anton Babchuk. That’s a step up for him!
-If Scott Hannan gets suspended because Jiri Hudler can’t stand up on his skates I’m gonna be pissed.
-Funny (not really) how last year on many nights the fourth line was the best on the ice. This year? Not so much. To my eye, they've had a pretty bad stretch of games.
-Aside from 10 minutes in the second, the Flames played a complete and even game. I don't think Detroit is as good as many people think, but that kind of effort is nice to see.
-Starting Karlsson tonight is the right call. You need points against division rivals more then you do the other conference.
Three Stars
1. Jarome Iginla-Three points. Would it be anyone else?
2. Miikka Kiprusoff-Big saves. A highly consistent effort.
3. Lee Stempniak-Excellent game driving play.
Finally…
A good effort. That is basically the game they should play all season. The Flames' next game is tonight against Buffalo.
by Richard Hammond