Predators-Flames: Calgary Still Riding High Since All-Star Game

After beating the Buffalo Sabres in their first  post All Star Break game on Wednesday by a final score of 5 – 2, the Calgary Flames roll over another opponent at home with a 3 – 1 over the Nashville Predators. 

After a scoreless first period, Matthew Lombardi opened the scoring at the 7:23 mark on a pass from Curtis Glencross from behind the goal line to the left of goaltender Pekke Rinne.  “I’ve been getting a lot of chances. I just haven’t been finding the back of the net.  But my linemates made great plays and it just went in.”

Calgary padded their lead later in the second period on a goal by Andre Roy.   Linemate Eric Nystrom eluded a defender, sped down the left side and passed it to a wide open Roy, who snapped it past Rinne. 

Roy said of his third goal of the season, “It’s always good to contribute.  I think it makes it easier for everybody when there is scoring from the third and fourth line or the defense. I think if everybody contributes like that we’ll continue to be successful. Kipper is playing unbelievable for us, you’ve got to mention him, so that helps too.”

After two periods of play, the game was 2-0 Flames. 

In the third period, Nashville’s leading scorer J.P. Dumont scored when he found himself on the good end of a on a three-on-one.  The goal wasn’t enough, though as Adrian Aucoin scored on the powerplay at the 12:30 mark of the third period.  Aucoin says  that prior to his goal, it was anybody’s game. 

“They (Nashville) were buzzing all night.  They had a lot of great chances.  Sometimes that’s what happens.  The grinders go out and get things done and that’s we need down the stretch”

The score ended 3 – 1.

Predators Dan Hamius was disappointed in the loss, and said, “We didn’t have our best start.  For the first 30 minutes we didn’t play well and in the second half we played better but we were too far behind to come back.”

NOTES:  Jordin Tootoo left the game after a second period fight with Todd Bertuzzi.  Both players were given five minute fighting majors and Tootoo went straight to the dressing room. 

Of the 15 penalties handed out in the game, nine came in the third period. 

COMING UP:  The Flames next two games are on the road, versus Colorado on Monday, and Dallas on Tuesday.

The Predators continue their Northeast Division road trip with a game against the Oilers on Sunday. 

RECORDS:  With the victory, Flames Miikka Kiprusoff records his 30th win of the season, and improves his overall record to 30 – 12 – 3.  Predators Pekke Rinne falls to 11 – 8 – 0.

STANDINGS:  Calgary is still first in the Northwest Division, now with 63 points, and third overall in the Western Conference behind San Jose and Detroit.  Nashville sit at 45 points, and are 14th in the Conference, but only eight points back of the eighth and final playoff spot, currently held by Anaheim.