The Calgary Flames won their second consecutive game while beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 in the Saddledome tonight. Rene Bourque lead all skaters with 3 points, including the game-winning goal. It was Calgary’s first home ice win against the Lightning since 2003.
The Flames opened the scoring 7:21 into the first period when Cory Sarich (yes, Cory Sarich!) scored his first goal of the season with a blistering slapshot from the point. Tom Kostopolous scored six minutes later by banging a shot in from the side of the net to put the Flames up 2-0. Bourque scored the eventual game-winner 0n a beautiful tic-tac-toe play with Mikael Backlund and Curtis Glencross while they broke into the Tampa zone on the rush.
However, a Flames game wouldn’t be complete without some sort of breakdown, and the Flames let the Lightning back into the game by giving up 2 goals in the 2nd period. Johan Harju and Ryan Malone found the back of the Flames net to give Tampa fans some hope, and it almost looked like the Flames were going to give up some more.
The 3rd period started with more of the same before the Flames decided that they really did want the 2 points and put some pressure back on. After 3 unsuccessful power play attempts, Jarome Iginla scored on Calgary’s 4th powerplay to give the Flames a bit of breathing room. Iggy’s goal gave the Flames a much-needed boost and allowed them the buffer they needed to win the game.
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.
