Last Sunday Iginla was instrumental in putting Canada on top of the world, this Sunday he would contribute in a big way to put the Flames on top. Calgary should play their games all on Sunday if Iginla conitnues the pace he put on this afternoon: 3 goals, 1 assist, and even some rare defensive outbursts.



Minnesota has beaten Calgary in the first four meetings this year so the Flames were looking for redemption.

20 seconds in Steve Staois picked up his first point with the Flames shooting a puck on net that Rene Bourque tipped in. The new top line with Stajan, Bourque, and Iginla combined for 10 points in the afternoon.

Two minutes later Jarome Iginla broke up a sure goal and broke up ice feeding Mark Giordano for his 11th of the season, 2-0 Flames.

New in goal was a lanky, shorter Finnish netminder...not Miikka Kiprusoff, but Vesa Toskola fresh off his Toronto --> Anaheim --> Calgary journey. Toskola played a solid game and didn't look out of place. Hopefully he gives the team a few more points down the stretch run where Calgary will play virtually every other day.

The two points give the Flames a chance to keep step with the Detroit Red Wings who are one point ahead of Calgary. The good news is we play Detroit twice, one in two days. The bad news is Red Wings are one of the hotter teams in the NHL so it will shape up to be a great battle.

Notes: Jarome Iginla has 30 goals on the season. One Flame who needs to do more STILL is Jay Bouwmeester. Rene Bourque with a four point afternoon, a career high.

Playoff Tracker: Flames need to win at least 13 of their last 17 to make the playoffs....

Afternoon Win: Calgary 5 – Minnesota 2 is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Many have already said it, Darryl Sutter is an absolute failure as a GM because he's never been able to find a #1 C to play with the team's top threat Jarome Iginla. After a #1 goalie a #1 C is the main piece to your puzzle. Yet, Calgary has NEVER had one. Calgary will NEVER win a Stanley Cup without one. Calgary is probably not going to even make the playoffs with its current rag-tag team of misfits.

For fans, it's all disheartening. Playoffs clearly out of reach with 20 games left. It's also frustrating to watch the team being dismantled top to bottom in the FINAL 2/3 of the season. You know what that means? REBUILDING. Not sure why ownership would tolerate Sutter Rebuilding at this time, but it's clear the towel has been thrown in and the team is worse off today then they were before the Olympic break.

Please prove me wrong, but the FLames won't make the playoffs this year and barring major changes yet again in the off-season they won't make it next year.

New faces will be in town, Steve Staois, an old due with another year left on his contract. He'll certainly help, but it sucks when he's gotta replace not sophomore Adam Pardy, but 3.6 million dollar man Cory Sarich who was absolutely terrible tonight.

There is no answer for the FLames. Nobody knows what to do and the scorers (assuming we had more than one) have no clue how to score. Throw in the towel fans, it's almost done, there is little hope left (and no Toskala and his monster contract aren't the answer).

Your thoughts?

Notes: Jay Bouwmeester continues his bottom basement season with a -3 performance. He's playing very very badly and no adjectives can be added to describe his play as of late. Matt Stajan fresh off a new contract also proved the Toronto naysayers right---by putting in a -3 performance...... another waste of cash?

Garbage in Garbge Out: Flames 0 – MInnesota 4 is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Your thoughts on the Flames trades? I think the team is certainly better but we're going to run into salary problems yet again this year if players go down with injuries.

Goodbye Dustin Boyd, Hello Steve Staois is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Looks like despite holding 25 forwards the Calgary Flames have opted to move and solidify their backup goalie position acquiring Vesa Toskala from the Anaheim Ducks. Details and confirmation to come. Confirmed by Fan960 and TSN.

Still not sure where the money comes from or where all these forwards are going to go!

** Update **

Money wise Harding's salary is about 95,000 more than McElhinney so the cash isn't that much more. I do think it's an upgrade on McElhinney, however. No word who will back up Calgary tonight against Minnesota. Maybe they'll get me to go in.

There were no confirmation reports on Harding, that was us picking up rumors off of Twitter. What we know now as confirmed by TSN that Calgary has acquired Vesa Toskala from the Ducks. Toskala went to the Ducks from Toronto for Giguere. The move puts an additional 700000k this year to the Flames salary cap.

It also means the tandem from their days in San Jose are reunited. Kiprusoff and Toskala are also Finnish buddies, and by buddies I mean they probably aren't even friends but they must know each other from back home, Finland is a small country isn't it????

The move certainly highlights Sutter's expectation that the Flames will actually MAKE the playoffs. I would agree Toskala is an upgrade but he's had a horrific season this year.

Curtis McElhinney Traded for Vesa Toskola! is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Stajan was pegged to be a UFA at the end of this season but it appears he'll be staying on-board for a few years to come. Nice to see that commitment from someone who would have gotten a lot more in free agency.

More details to come.

Matt Stajan Signed for Four Years – 3.5 Million Each is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

The game was a highlight. I had mentioned in the second period that, "I hope we don't win 3-0, I'd prefer a nail-biter the heads into the 13th hour." Little did I know I was a prophet.

What's better for sport and fan? 3-0 win in regulation, or a 3-2 win in overtime?

It's far more stressful but I'd opt for the 3-2 win in overtime because then the victory tastes that much better and the memory lasts that much longer.

Crosby on GWG, Iggy on the GWG Pass

Team Canada started to turn around their Olympics after facing Team USA the first time suffering a loss. A few changes to the lineups and the goalie propelled Canada all the way to the Gold Medal game.

Many rabid fans were anticipating great things on home soil, and in the end the team delivered in fitting fashion.

This 2010 version of the Olympic team included far more fire power and youth than in previous years. Tournament forward MVP Jonathan Towes lead Team Canada with 8 points and the first goal in the Gold Medal game. He along with the likes of Doughty, Nash, Richards, Getzlaf, Perry, and more, were all new faces in the line up and all capable of scoring big goals.

The depth proved crucial in Team Canada's advancement. When opposing teams shut down the top line of Crosby-Iginla-Staal (Nash), it was the Sharks line, or the Ducks line, or the fourth line who pulled through with timely goals.

Time goals, however, was what the Crosby line finally delivered.

Zack Parise tied the game up with 30 seconds left making fans wait a little longer to taste Gold. 30 seconds away from victory and the nation together held their breathe nervously.

A brief intermission and a 20 minute OT was to follow, but the OT would be played entirely 4v4. Flames fans were curious if Jarome Iginla would factor in the lineup or, would he be sat like in games against the Swiss? The answer was provided on the first shift when he lined up beside Crosby.

The pace of the OT frame was quick, nervous, and stressful to watch!

But then it happened.

In true 'Don Cherry Rock 'em Sock 'em fashion' Canada turned the puck up ice after Lungo made a nice shoulder save after Neidermeyer giveaway in the Canada zone, then the team streaked down the ice for the eventual overtime winner.

Crosby picked up the loose puck and tried to split four defensive players. He was stopped but he still managed to retrieve the puck in the offensive zone where Iginla caught up after a line change. Crosby lost the puck momentarily in the refs feet but shoveled a pass Jarome along the board.

A whole nation heard it on the replay--Crosby shouting, "IGGY!" to get the puck back.

Jarome Iginla, the hero in the 2002 Olympics with 2 goals and 1 assist, was instrumental to give Canada a 2010 gold medal on home ice. He sent a no look pass on his back to Crosby who got a step on the American defender behind him. Goalie MVP Ryan Miller was expecting Crosby to come in close and had his stick out for the poke check. Crosby instead barely touched the puck before shooting a no look snapper that somehow found the back of the net.

A nation erupted.

History was made.

Canada's team poured over the boards to celebrate. Canada Hockey place went into a frenzy.

Equally loud was just outside the arena in Vancouver.

It was won--Gold was ours--everyone could breathe a sigh of relief and start the victory celebratinos. The partying lasted into the wee hours of the night for some, but what was more important was how the entire nation came together to experience firsthand a landmark cultural event that will become etched into the minds of Canadians for at least another half century.

Where were you when Canada won the Gold? Many cool stories out there, share yours.

Props to s.yume for the picture.

A New Era: Men’s Hockey 2010 Olympic Gold Medal Recap is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Flames Resign Rene Bourque to Three Year Term is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

The Own the Podium campaign has been a bust. But everyone has said so long as we win gold in hockey we'll put up with the below average performance by the rest of the Olympians. But what happens if we lose in the quarters?

Canada's national pride was taking out back yet again and spanked hard. The dream team? The super team? Try a bunch of hockey players performing like the rest of the Olympic team--subpar. Canada lost to an average American squad 5-3 who capitalized on mistakes and rode a hot goalie to victory.

Canadians aren't happy. Twitter is rampant with people casting blame here and there, but frankly the blame rests squarely in two places: Brodeur and Babcock.

@dtjbrown said: Mike Babcock is and idiot. Here's a guy who coaches by the names on the back, not the crest on the front.

True words indeed. Let's take a step back and scrutinize the team from top to bottom.

Sydney Crosby: Syd the Kid certainly hasn't owned a thing and is being overshadowed by Russian rival Ovechkin. Crosby is creating chances but could use Iginla on the RW more often to round out the first line. He needs to pick up game to superstar value.

Rick Nash: Big body on the top line, not scoring, but not playing bad.

Mike Richards: Kills penalties and is a non-factor on the top line. PLEASE put him where he belongs--fourth line.

Joe Thornton: Part of the SJ line that's creating some chances. Would like to see more assists from t he assist leader. Again, needs to pick up his game to a gold medal level.

Danny Heatley: He's playing quite well, needs to keep scoring.

Patrick Marleau: The knock on him was he folds under the spotlight. He's the weakest link on the the second lien and if he doesn't pick up his game he'll be remembered as such forever.

Corey Perry: No clue why he made the team and he's a liability. Does nothing on the ice and is consistently beat on t he ice. He should be the fourth line spare but Babcock doesn't w ant to give up the 'Anaheim connection', Canad will suffer for it.

Eric Staal: Again, part of the third line and did nothing the first two games but scored once against the US. He needs to bring his game to a whole new level because the entire third l ine is a huge disappointment.

Ryan Getzlaf: Size and grit fit o n the third line, he needs new wingers though. Period. Of course Babcock won't change that.

Jarome Iginla: Scores and performs on the first line when Babcock wants to put the best players on the ice. Hat-trick against Norway but then put to the fourth line for Swiss game and to start the US.

Jordan Toews: Kills penalties and sets up some chances. Performs with limited fourth line duty.

Brenden Morrow: Energy provided but nothing much more.

Patrice Bergeron: Try him on the third line instead of just taking defensive zone faceoffs.

On defence.

Scott Niedermeyer: Roves around and is playing up to form with some tense moments when he gets caught up ice.

Dan Boyle: Another SJ player that is starting to get caught up ice more than doing what he's supposed to do---play D.

Chris Pronger: Why is on the team again?

Drew Doughthy: Is being put into too many positions to 'shine' by the coaching staff. He's playing well when called upon but you can tell he's inexperienced. Less time for him... but then again, who would replace?

Duncan Keith & Keith Seabrook: Don't play a regular shift but play w hen called upon.

Shea Weber: Apparently he's the best we have for first line D man on the PP. Big BIG mistake. He does nothing but stand on the point and shoot the puck wide. Sad choice.

Lastly Martin Brodeur: Twice he made dumb rookie mistakes by show boating in net against the US and consequently was the main reason why Canada lost. It will be very interesting to see if he'll play again.

Mike Babcock: Let's be frank Babcock can't handle the spotlight. Also, he insists on playing his preconceived line combos even if nothing is happening. Iginla plays on the top line instead of the fourth and rings in goals but he insists on playing Richards or whomever.

The PP looks weak, goalie selection questionable, etc. We HAVE the right players because they are the best, we DON'T have the system down even when other teams are playing with fright. That means the coaches need to step up, put the right team together instead of letting friends play together, and enable the team to meet expectations.

If they don't, some of these players will forever be remembered as the team that choked at home an embarrassed a nation.

Analyzing Canada Men’s Hockey Team Loss is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Think of it like this, Canada destroyed Slovakia by a 18-0 margin. Slovakia in turn destroyed Bulgaria 82-0. Your kids tyke team could do better. That's embarrassing and clearly points out that developing nations can't put out a product that rivals Canada or the US. They don't have the money for development and likely never will. The product will eventually get better, and we may have to sit through blowouts as the sport grows, but in the meantime it's not worthwhile to watch Canada run up the score on hapless competitors. Your thoughts?

Yes, Canadians are good, really good, we know that, but the rest of the world less the USA are so bad that Bulgaria vs. Canada final score would be 1476-0. Or one goal every two seconds.

It's time to put women's hockey to rest until the competition is actually that--competitive. It's sad to watch and a joke to the whole Olympics. I can't stand to watch puppies being beaten on relentlessly so I won't be watching women's hockey until they reach the finals against the US.

Why It’s Brutal To Watch Women’s Hockey is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News

Tonight at home Calgary fed off some new lines and the home crowd to pull out a victory. The bulk of Calgary's offence came from their captain, who seems to win games hands down, but unfortunately only shows up for every third game....

Hopefully Iginla has regained some of his scoring touch. What the Flames need right now is a hot Iginla to come back from the Olympics and the rest of the team to pick up the scoring (hello second line?)

4th and 3rd line players need to step up, the obvious, so it helps when Nystrom scores. However, one goal every 42 games (when he scored his last) won't work.

New Flames in the line up were Dawes and Moss. They provided energy and helped assert a consistent forecheck all night.

That meant pulling the short straw tonight was Dustin Boyd who watched from the press box with Brian McGrattan.

Miikka Kiprusoff was his usual self making huge saves keeping the Flames in the game. I'ma ctually kind of worried that Kipper will pull out all the stops and beat Canada.

Notes: Jamie Lundmark was picked off of waivers from Toronto today. Bourque and Conroy still on the mend, Bourque will return after the Olympic break which will likely mean Backlund goes down tomorrow to the AHL.

Olympic Break Begins On Positive Net: Calgary 3 – Anaheim 1 is a post from: FlamesForum Blog: Calgary Flames News