Calgary Flames bounce back with 3-1 win over Chicago Blackhawks -NHL Update
Calgary had a three-game home stand but lost the first two straight against the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings but as their final was against a struggling Chicago team, the Canadians saw a ray of hope as the Flames burned Blackhawks, 3-1, Friday night,
February 3, 2012, at the sold-out Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
It could be easily seen that the All-Star Chicago team was getting frustrated with every passing minute, which even sparked a few fights and intense roughing sessions between players but the Flames managed to stay cool and play strategically.
Playing on the road or at home has not been meaningful for Chicago as they sit at the sixth number spot in the Western Conference, below the Nashville Predators by one with 65 points.
"It has nothing to do with it," Chicago captain, Jonathan Toews, said of the variation in performance they have had recently. "We're not looking at it like that, whether we play at home or on the road. The way we've been playing lately, we don't deserve
to win. None of that really matters to us."
Calgary on the other hand is back where they were nearly at this time of the National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, two spots below the playoff line, but as they still have enough time, the Flames will be looking to grab at least the last postseason
spot sometime soon.
Olli Jokinen grabbed the first of the night and his 13th of the season to put Calgary ahead by one while Chicago managed to level it with Brent Seabrook making the equaliser with less than 30 seconds remaining in the opening period.
Jay Bouwmeester took advantage of their second power play opportunity of the next period as Michael Frolik was booked with a double minor penalty for high sticking and gave Calgary that extra edge entering the final 20 minutes.
Jarome Iginla came out strong in the final period and scored the insurance goal at the 12:39 mark to secure the match in their favour.
Chicago Blackhawks are looking for better days as they are on a five-game losing streak at the moment when they face-off against the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday.
Calgary Flames will be going on a three-game road trip, starting off with the Anaheim Ducks on Monday.
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