It looks like Calgary Flames fans have a new least-favourite referee in the NHL. By disallowing 2 Flames powerplay goals within 60 seconds, Eric Furlatt did a lot to move beyond Kerry Fraser as my #1 most-hated referee when the Flames are on the ice.
Furlatt waived off the first goal, a shot from the point by Olli Jokinen, claiming that Curtis Glencross was in the crease. He was screening Minnesota Goaltender Niklas Backstrom, and did have a foot in the top corner of the crease, but the video replay clearly shows that Glencross moved his foot from the crease before the puck was shot. Bad Call.
The second disallowed goal was a little more legit, as Curtis Glencross tipped a Jarome Iginla point shot down with a high stick. The goal went to video-replay, but since Furlatt had already called it a no-goal, the video replay judge had to be able to say that it was “without a doubt” not a high stick. Since it was pretty borderline whether Glencross’ stick was above the crossbar, the call stuck.
Despite the double-setback, Calgary stepped-up their game and were rewarded a few minutes later when Jarome Iginla and Eric Nystrom took advantage of a sloppy Minnesota line-change and broke-in 2-on-1. Iginla faked a shot and passed to Nystrom, who corralled the rolling puck and roofed it over Backstrom for the game winning goal.
The goal was Nystrom’s 5th of the season and his 3rd game-winner. Sounds a bit like his old man, NY Islander (and Stanley Cup Champion) Bob Nystrom!!
The Flames outshot the Wild 40-15 in the game, limiting the visitors to 5 shots per period. Andrew Brunette and James Sheppard scored for the Wild. Calgary also had goals from Jamie Lundmark and Daymond Langkow, and improve their record to 43-26-6.
The Flames next game is at home on Monday against the San Jose Sharks.
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.
