The Calgary Flames opened their 2009 first-round playoff series with the Chicago Blackhawks rather poorly, failing to impress in the first two games, leading to a 2-0 series deficit. Their lack of aggressive play and the inability to harness their veteran supremacy over the young Chicago team quickly dampened the Flames’ fire, a situation they hoped would reverse when they returned to home-ice in games three and four.
The Flames did just that, pleasing their fans in the Pengrowth Saddledome with a 4-2 win over the Blackhawks, cutting their series lead to 2-1, and reinvigorating the downtrodden Calgary team. All it took was the “C” of Red’s display of support, and the understanding that the team has to play more physical in order to win the puck, and eventually the game. Their drive for the puck is reflected in the physicality of their game, having made 30 hits in game 4 (two times as many as Chicago) and giving up only four penalties, the Flames proved to be a hard-hitting and disciplined veteran team.
Although they gave up three unanswered goals in the second period after going ahead 4-1, the Flames rallied their efforts and took back the lead halfway through the third off a goal from Eric Nystrom, and an empty-netter by Jarome Iginla with 11 seconds left in the game. This win brings with it a lot of momentum for the Flames as they head back to the “Windy City” for game 5 in the hopes to steal the series lead.
Game 5 will be played on Saturday at 7:00 PM PST.