Blackhawks Destroy Flames, Lead Series

The Calgary Flames might have posted huge victories in Games 3 and 4 but they suffered a humbling loss last night against the Chicago Blackhawks.  The Flames were undeniably dominated, outplayed and outshot by the Hawks in the 5-1 loss.

It was an important game since the series was tied 2-2 going into it but you wouldn’t have been able to tell it was a playoff game based on how Calgary played.  They were undisciplined and incurred unnecessary penalties throughout the 60 minutes.  I was extraordinarily disappointed because it was actually a discouraging and boring game to watch.  The Flames looked like they had given up within the first five of minutes of play.

Keenan took responsibility for the loss: "The team wasn’t prepared to play at all for a number of reasons. The bottom line when the team doesn’t respond or isn’t prepared, that’s the coach’s responsibility.  We weren’t prepared for the push from them and that’s my job."

He wasn’t the only one blaming himself, however.  Captain Jarome Iginla said: "We just weren’t ready. I wasn’t nearly good enough.  I was terrible tonight. There’s no excuse for that. … We’ll be ready for the next game."

There also seems to have been a disagreement between Calgary goaltender, Miikka Kiprusoff, and coach Mike Keenan.  Kipper was pulled after letting in four goals in 18 shots on net.  "I thought the goal was kicked in. It gave us a time of separation in the game to at least have the goal reviewed," Keenan said. "I told Miikka if they allow the goal he’s finished, if they don’t allow the goal he’s going back in."  Unfortunately, the goal counted and backup, Curtis McElhinney, was called upon to finish the game.  I saw all over Twitter that Kipper was unhappy with the decision. 

• NewYorkRangers tweeted: Kiprusoff pulled! He has gone storming off to the Calgary locker room! #Hawks 4 #Flames ! #NHLPlayoffs (via @goaliemom31) Hawks up 4-1
• NHLBlackhawks tweeted: For a second it looked like the Kipper walked off the bench, but he’s there. He did have some words for Mike Keenan, however. Awwwkwaaarrrd.

Meanwhile, Chicago netminder, Nikolai Khabibulin, was thrilled with the victory after having to make only 19 saves.  "It was one of our best periods of the year," he said. "We were skating, jumping to loose pucks."

Game 6 takes place, in Calgary, on Monday night.  If the Blackhawks win, they will take the series and if the Flames win, they will tie it up.  Either way, it’s going to be intense.

image: TSN