Flames Fail to Clinch Division Against Canucks
April 8, 2009 by Jeanne Dupuis
Filed under Calgary Flames, NHL, News, Northwest, Vancouver Canucks
The Calgary Flames just couldn’t get it done last night against the Vancouver Canucks, losing 4-1 and failing to claim the Northwest Division title. Granted, they were trying but Canucks goaltender, Roberto Luongo, was really on his game, turning away all but one of the 46 shots launched at him.
It’s sick because Calgary outshot Vancouver 21-9 in the first period and it basically continued that way for the ful 60 minutes but it just wasn’t enough. I also think that penalty trouble may have contributed to the loss. Vancouver was justifiably awarded a lot of power-plays last night and they capitalized on it.
I’m reading on the internet this morning that so many fans (and even coaches and commentators) are making excuses for the Flames, saying that they tried hard and Luongo was the difference. That is all true but these are the sort of games that are going to be played in the playoffs and if they can’t deal with it now, they won’t be able to deal with it then. I was very disappointed and I’m saddened to see how crappy this team has become since acquiring Olli Jokinen.
The Division title is still up for grabs but if Vancouver and Calgary end up tying for points, the rules say that the team with the most wins (Calgary) will take the title. Who wants to win on a technicality, though?
image: TSN
