Flames Are Ready To Go

Give or take a couple of poor playoff performances since the 1989 Stanley Cup Finals, whenever the Calgary Flames get into the playoffs, they seem to go all the way. After finishing off the San Jose Sharks in six games, as well as the other two division winners in the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings, the Calgary Flames are about to be the first Canadian team to represent Canada in the Stanley Cup finals in ten years.

The Calgary Flames, over the past month and a half, have brought the meaning of “team play” and determination to an entirely new level. Against three powerhouse teams in the Western Conference, the Flames have lulled each of them to sleep with their flawless defense and relentless forechecking not gambling until a chance was presented to them. The Flames have seemed confident to play in one goal games and simply wait until the opposition makes a mistake. Without a star-studded lineup, the Flames are forced to play as a team and get contributions from their entire lineup.

Goaltending has been another major reason as to why the Flames are where they are now. Miikka Kiprusoff has been simply remarkable posting a 1.90 goals against average, a 93% save percentage and four shutouts. Moreover, he has made big saves at key times during games that have given the Flames a chance to win. Acquired from the Sharks earlier in the year, Kiprusoff returned the favour by sending the Sharks golfing.

The Stanley Cup final will begin next Tuesday in the city of the Eastern Conference Champion. Calgary will have six rest days in between but they will be, no doubt, fired up and “Flaming” to go.