Got Offense? Calgary Flames Seek Elusive "O" Word in Detroit, Columbus

This "needs offense" bit is the standard line one hears when talking about the Flames. “So, the Flames need to score more.” It’s about as original as saying “Roberto Luongo doesn't like the shootout this year,” or “Avril Lavigne should stop singing.” It’s not exactly ground-breaking.

But while I’m not downplaying the importance of Tuesday night’s win in Nashville, the Flames were dangerously close to being shutout for the third time in 5 games. In case you didn't know, that’s not a good thing.

Now, I’m not one of those people that finds hockey to be utterly boring unless there are 15 goals (I call those people Bettmans), but I could handle the Flames just exploding for once. I’m talking like 10-0. Preferably against Vancouver.

That being said, it is refreshing to see a tight, low-scoring game once in a while. I generally don’t mind my team not scoring as long as the opposing team isn't either. This is probably what we’re going to see a lot of from the Flames this year; occasional offensive bursts and many low-scoring games. However, without Kiprusoff’s non-human performance against Nashville, that game could have been quite disappointing, though Pekka Rinne had quite a fantastic returning performance himself.

There were a lot of decent elements to the Flames game, primarily the fact that they managed to spend a lot of time in the offensive end. Tonight and tomorrow they will have to seek turning that possession into more legitimate scoring chances, rather than mainly perimeter shots. The Predators did a great job of boxing out the top line of Tanguay-Stajan-Iginla, so those three need to be a lot better in Detroit and Columbus. This will especially be difficult to do against Detroit, but the Flames played relatively well against them last season so I’m expecting them to hold their ground tonight. Oh who am I kidding? I always expect this.

Other positives include the penalty kill, which hasn't faltered in four games. Though this has a lot to do with Kiprusoff, the Flames penalty killers have been doing a great job, especially guys like Glencross. Rene Bourque was also welcomed back with open arms (I told you we miss his offense) and scored the OT winner with a quick, effective shot. Glad to see you back, Rene.

Now, here are your game-day(s) notes:

• Henrik Karlsson is expected to start against Columbus. It’ll be nice to give Kiprusoff a break, we don’t want to wear him out or see him injured. Yikes. Let’s leave that dark, dark thought.

• Johan Franzen has been cleared to play for Detroit. Yaaaaay...

• Sarich didn't practice with the team yesterday because of “general maintenance.” I’m assuming those monster hits in Nashville left a few bruises on his body too.

• With the unfortunate sending of T.J. Brodie to Abbotsford (Pens fans rejoice! The No. 66 "crisis" has been averted), it’ll be interesting to see where newly acquired defenceman Brendan Mikkelson fits in.

• I found the acquisition of Mikkelson interesting. The Flames are not in need of another defenceman, so I question whether or not GM Sutter has a trade brewing. Sarich, mainly, has been at the centre of these rumours.

• Bourque had a fantastic game in Nashville; I wouldn't be surprised if he kept the ball rolling in Detroit/Columbus. Coach Sutter placed him on the top line for a bit, but I like the way he was clicking with the third line.

• Stajan was playing with a tenacity to be reckoned with, so I expect to see him score in one of these games. He came close against Nashville, hitting one off the post towards the end of the third period.