10-7-1: Rough Ride In The Saddledome

The Rangers lost to the Flames in Calgary on Saturday night 3-1. They had no right being in the game at all against a bigger, strong team and with their backup goaltender in net yet still was an Ales Kotalik miss away from forcing overtime.

That's pretty impressive.

Well, it is either that or a clear indication that Calgary is suffering heavily from the off-season loss of Mike Cammalleri. While I hope for the former, I believe it was the latter.

*Everyone wants to talk about the Chris Drury hit and seems to be calling for blood. Not me. How would suspending Glencross help the Rangers? Sure the hit was a few seconds after the puck was floated away down the ice but Dru had his head down and stick out like he was going to receive a pass. He wasn't paying attention and he paid the price. And, let's face it, it isn't a huge loss to the team. Should he go on long term IR, his $7 mil salary could be better spent than on a 50 point player who kills penalties. We watched a real captain out there on the ice leading the other team and he was far from meek.

*And while there is so much outrage focused on Glencross, it should be double towards the Rangers because no one bothered to get any vengeance. No crying for Brashear because anyone/everyone should have done something. Girardi jawed at him or something on the next shift but that was it. Pathetic. Of course, it doesn't help when Dane Byers is playing scared after being suspended, Sean Avery is in his happy zen place and big Brian Boyle is too dumb to know that he should do something.

*The other big injury of the game was to Brandon Dubinsky. Replays showed that he blocked a shot with his hand, so if it is busted or cracked, then the team should sue Bauer because gloves are supposed to protect players from something like that.

*Does everyone else think that Kipper was Calgary's saving grace? Because I certainly don't. Most of his big stops came from the puck hitting him - he left plenty of space but the Rangers couldn't get their shots to go there.

*Credit for that does to the Flames defense because, wait for it, they play the body! What a concept! Defensemen closing spaces and playing the body! Had Hobey Gilroy played the body on little Nigel Dawes, Dawsie couldn't have found an open Iginla to score the second Calgary goal. Sure Wade Redden takes some blame for hanging out in the crease watching the play but Hobey is better than that. Wade isn't.

*It is easy to jump on Valley because he is the backup but he really can only be faulted for one of the three goals - the first was a deflection, the second a one-timer but the third just blew right past him. It did come on a bad play by the Blueshirts but he saw the shooter, he should have made the stop.

*Back to Boyle for a second, he went 0-10 in the faceoff circle. 0-10. Anyone else miss Blair Betts?

*Enver Lisin played like he was still hurt; that jump in his step clearly wasn't there. And I wasn't sure if Arty Anisimov was there at all. The box score says he played but I don't remember him doing a single damn thing.

*What happened to Olli Jokinen? Once a regular threat when we played him on the Panthers, he was woeful on this occasion. And I hear that that is the norm for him this season; I wonder what went wrong as he couldn't have forgotten to play over the summer ...

*PHW Three Stars
3-Dan Girardi - one goal.
2-Nigel Dawes - three assists.
1-Miikka Kiprusoff - 32 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Dawesie - Gotta give credit to him for getting revenge.
2-Girardi - Best Ranger on the ice. Sure Higgins and Cally skated hard, Gabby got some good shots off and Dubi finished his shift before going to the bench injured but Dan-O was all over the place. His goal was lucky - multiple deflections - but he stopped several goals with good shot blocks (and I'm pretty sure the last goal against didn't came off his stick but I didn't catch the replay).
1-Jay Bouwmeester/Robyn Regehr/Dion Phaneuf - JayBo killed off all three Ranger power plays seemingly by himself. Regehr made stop after stop, was hurt and missed some time, but still played almost 24 minutes. Sloppy Seconds had big hits, big shots and big stops - probably the best game I've seen him play in quite a while.

 10-7-1: Rough Ride In The Saddledome - The Calgary Flames' Rocky Road

In the realm of professional ice hockey, the journey of a team is often marked by highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations. For the Calgary Flames, a franchise with a storied history in the National Hockey League (NHL), the sequence 10-7-1: Rough Ride In The Saddledome encapsulates one such tumultuous chapter. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing tale of the Calgary Flames, exploring their rocky path in the iconic Scotiabank Saddledome, key moments, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) that offer insight into the team's rollercoaster journey.

Calgary Flames: Flames of Passion on Ice

A Brief History of the Flames

The Calgary Flames, originally based in Atlanta, Georgia, were established in 1972 as an NHL expansion team. They relocated to Calgary, Alberta, in 1980, where they have since become an integral part of the city's identity. The Flames have a passionate fan base and a rich history, which includes winning the Stanley Cup in 1989.

The 10-7-1 Sequence: Unveiling the Story

The sequence 10-7-1 signifies a season in the Calgary Flames' history that can be described as a "rough ride" due to its mixture of wins, losses, and struggles. It represents the ups and downs that the team faced during a particular season, highlighting the challenges that are an inherent part of professional sports.

The Rocky Road of 10-7-1

10 - The Tenacious Pursuit:

The "10" in 10-7-1 represents the team's determination to achieve success despite facing adversity. During this season, the Flames displayed tenacity, battling opponents with unwavering spirit and resilience.

7 - The Seven Scorching Victories:

In the midst of challenges, the Flames managed to secure seven hard-fought victories, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level. These wins served as glimmers of hope in an otherwise challenging season.

1 - The Singular Struggle:

The "1" in 10-7-1 serves as a reminder that even during difficult times, there is always room for growth and improvement. It represents the singular struggle that the team encountered during this particular season.

Key Moments in Flames History

The Calgary Flames have had their fair share of memorable moments and iconic players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise:

1989 Stanley Cup Victory: The Flames' Stanley Cup victory in 1989 remains one of the most cherished moments in the team's history. Led by captain Lanny McDonald and star goaltender Mike Vernon, the Flames defeated the Montreal Canadiens to capture their first and only Stanley Cup.

Jarome Iginla Era: Jarome Iginla, one of the greatest players in Flames history, played for the team from 1996 to 2013. He was known for his leadership, scoring prowess, and dedication to the community. Iginla's impact on the Flames and the city of Calgary is immeasurable.

The "Red Mile" Phenomenon: During the Flames' playoff run in 2004, Calgary's 17th Avenue became known as the "Red Mile," as thousands of fans gathered to support their team. It showcased the passion and unity of Flames fans.

Return to the Stanley Cup Final: In 2004, the Flames made a memorable run to the Stanley Cup Final, facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in a thrilling seven-game series. Although they fell short, the Flames' resilience captured the hearts of fans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As a team with a storied history and a passionate fan base, the Calgary Flames generate a variety of questions from both devoted followers and newcomers to the sport. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Flames:

1. What is the significance of the Scotiabank Saddledome to the Flames?

The Scotiabank Saddledome is the home arena of the Calgary Flames. It is where the team plays its home games and where many memorable moments in Flames history have occurred.

2. Who are some other notable players who have played for the Flames?

In addition to Jarome Iginla, the Flames have had other notable players, including Al MacInnis, Theo Fleury, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Miikka Kiprusoff, among others. These players made significant contributions to the franchise.

3. How have the Flames performed in recent years, and what is their outlook for the future?

The Flames' performance can vary from season to season. Their outlook depends on factors such as roster changes, coaching, and competition within the NHL. The team continually strives for success.

4. What is the Flames' biggest rivalry?

The Flames have a heated rivalry with the Edmonton Oilers, known as the "Battle of Alberta." Games between these two teams are highly anticipated and intense, with a deep-seated rivalry dating back decades.

5. How can fans get tickets to Flames games?

Fans can purchase tickets for Calgary Flames games through the team's official website, authorized ticket vendors, or secondary ticket marketplaces. Availability may vary depending on the team's schedule and demand.

The sequence 10-7-1: Rough Ride In The Saddledome represents more than just wins and losses for the Calgary Flames; it symbolizes the spirit of perseverance and the enduring passion of the team and its fans. While every season may bring its share of challenges, the Flames remain a beloved franchise with a rich history and a bright future.

As the Flames continue to strive for success in the NHL, their journey serves as a reminder that sports, like life itself, is a mix of triumphs and trials. The Flames and their fans understand that even in the face of adversity, the fire of determination burns bright, making every season, no matter the outcome, a part of their remarkable story.