The Flames couldn’t find an answer for Nikolai Khabibulin, who stopped 30 of 32 shots. The Blackhawks topped the flames 5-3, and ended their record-tying 8-game winning streak in front of a sellout crowd at the Saddledome. It was also the end of Jarome Iginla’s point streak, as he failed to register a goal or an assist. Calgary’s goals were scored by Roman Hamrlik, and Chuck Kobasew. McCarty, Langkow, Amonte and Phaneuf added an assist each in the loss.
While this ends the winning streak for the Flames, this 8 game romp put them on top of the Northwest Division and, more importantly, gave them their confidence back. They had started this season on flat feet, and couldn’t seem to put two good periods of hockey together. That has all changed and the Flames now look to be a team to challenge this year.
Greg is the founder of Red Mile Blog has been following the Flames through good times and bad since they arrived in Calgary in the early 80s. He has written hundreds of articles on the Flames since 2005 and considers himself an expert on hockey inconsistency and frustration. He shoots right and usually plays defence, but has been known to jump up in the rush. He is a 2-time CAHL men's league champion and knows the sweet taste of beer from a Cup.
