Kiprusoff's Two Game Shutout Streak Propels The Flames Into Second Place

It's official: After a four game winning streak and two shutouts by solid goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, the Calgary Flames are finally in second place. They have climbed ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks and have really begun to show their defensive system.

However, the more important thing is that Kiprusoff has established himself as a leader of the Calgary defense, and he's part of the reason why they're so confident in their own zone.

Really, I think that Kiprusoff is the hottest goalie in the NHL right now. He's hasn't allowed a goal in the last two games he's played, and that's including the 40 shots he faced against the Detroit Red Wings.

The Flames have always known that Kiprusoff is one of the best goalies in the NHL, and I think that he's starting to carry the team.

To me, the goalie is the most important player on the team. Without a solid goalie, you're going to let in too many goals to win games. Take a look at the Red Wings for example, they have had goalie trouble for the entire season. Even though they have some great players in Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and a few more, they have still been punished by their lack of goaltending skill.

The exact opposite has happened to the Flames. Their goalie has been stopping the puck for the entire season, and has given them the best defense in the Western Conference. This has given the offense a little bit of breathing room, which is a great thing when you have the kind of offense Calgary does.

I'm anxious to see what happens in the next few months with the Flames. This is setting up to be one of the best season's they have had in a while.

How Calgary's Defensive System Helps them Win