The Morning After Ottawa

Here’s the rest of the best of what wasn’t covered in the Recap or Rate The Flames from Calgary’s 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators.

So Close Again

David Rittich won his second game in a row and was THIS close (7:05) to getting his first NHL shut out. If not for Dougie Hamilton hauling down Jean-Gabriel Pageau leading to a penalty shot goal, Rittich was on the way to his first career blanking. Rittich was solid last night stopping 29 of the 30 shots he faced.

Curtis Lazar Comes Home

Lazar played in Ottawa for the first time since being dealt to the Flames and he looked very good last night. He picked up a point (assist on Stajan’s goal) for the first time in 10 games. He caused some turnovers and genuinely looked engaged when on the ice. Maybe Lazar can pretend every team is Ottawa from here on out.

Break Up Sam Bennett!

For the second game in a row Sam Bennett had a goal! For the second game in a row Bennett got the Flames on the board first! This is quite the development as the season is winding down and the Flames make a playoff push. Sam Bennett has looked very strong in his last few games and maybe this is a sign of things to come? The goals are nice, but his 4 SOG were second on the team last night (behind Micheal Ferland’s 5) and you can see his confidence growing.

Playoffs Update

With their 2 points last night the Flames inched closer to a WC spot in the Western Conference. The Flames have 78 points and are now 1 point behind the LA Kings (79) who currently own the last WC spot. Dallas beat the Ducks last night getting Calgary within 2 points of the Ducks for the 6th spot on the Western Conference.

Highlight Of The Night

Post Game Reaction

by Mark Parkinson