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Calgary Flames

Adirondack Wins Seventh Straight

Vause, Wolf and Ortio lead team to 9th win in 10 games

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The Adirondack Flames continued their winning ways on Friday night, with a 4-1 win over the Syracuse Crunch at the GFCC. This was another strong win for the depleted Flames against a strong opponent. The Flames have won seven straight and nine of their last ten.

Offence

  • With Corban Knight called up, Max Reinhart still on his way back, Turner Elison injured and four other top forwards in Calgary, the continued strong play of the offense is really impressive. Younger players and new signings are taking the opportunity given them and certainly making the most of it.
  • The new top line of David Wolf, Taylor Vause, and Ben Hanowski had two goals and played strong. Wolf opened the scoring at 13 seconds into the first period to set the tone for the evening. Vause, who was a late Adirondack cut in preseason and the second leading scoring of the Colorado Eagles (ECHL), has been impressive since returning to the AHL with a goal and two assists in two games.
  • Emile Poirier continued his strong offensive play with a goal and assist Friday. Poirier is now tied with three others as the Flames leading scorers – and is averaging over a point a game since returning.
  • Recently signed Brodie Reid had a goal and assist Friday night and has been a contributor in each game he has played in Adirondack. He has two goals and two assists in six games.
  • The Flames were 2 of 3 on the power play against Syracuse Friday and continue to hover in the top four teams in the AHL in this area.

Defense

  • The defense has really tightened up in the past three weeks. The pairing of Tyler Wotherspoon and Corey Potter has been very strong. Captain Nolan Yonkman is a calming effect for the young defense and Mark Cundari continues his solid defense play and strong play on the point of the power play. Candari had two assists on Friday.
  • The Flames killed all three short handed situations and have improved significantly in the past two weeks in this area.

Goaltending

  • Joni Ortio was again outstanding, making 26 saves Friday – several of the spectacular variety. The only goal the Flames yielded followed a successful second period shorthanded kill and the team failing to get a clear.
  • The goaltending early this season was very inconsistent – however Ortio has really stepped up in the last month and Brad Thiessen provides the team a solid 1A between the pipes.

Ryan Huska's post game comments:

The coaching is really impressive. This team continues to play strong and win, despite the top two lines (plus) being in Calgary or injured. You can tell this team is just that: a team, and that is a testament to Huska and Gill.

The Flames return to the ice tonight against Rochester at the GFCC.

by Keith Mcafee