Courtesy Calgary Herald
The Vancouver Canucks found a way to blow a game that was all about them in a way only Vancouver could — a last ditch effort by their opponent to score that hits the back of the net with thirty seconds to go.
Oh yeah, it was at home, too.
Vancouver can’t seem to catch a break, and having to find a way to beat the Calgary Flames in the first round of this year’s playoffs will be nothing short of a miracle in the making.
Just maybe.
Eddie Lack was great for the Canucks all night before the game-winner, hit by Kris Russell, whizzed past him. The reaction from the Canucks fans said it all.
The scene was an all too familiar one.
Left looking for answers like they have been in postseason trips prior, the Canucks must find a way to regain their composure and win in Game 2. Not often do teams find themselves in a must-win scenario so soon off the bat, but it’s come to that, unfortunately, for the Canucks.
As for the Flames, they couldn’t be happier.
Bo Horvat put the Flames in a 1-0 spot thanks to a second period score and it appeared as though Calgary was at an offensive standstill and wouldn’t be able to crack the Canuck defensive front.
But then came period three.
Courtesy Jonathan Hayward / Associated Press
In the final frame the Flames got just what they needed via David Jones at the 12-minute mark and then the obvious game winner by none other than Kris Russell.
And this came right after the Chicago Blackhawks finished off the Nashville Predators in shocking, double overtime fashion.
Wow. I like where this is going.
Now that the Flames where able to steal one from the Canucks away from home, Game 2 is much more casual, but just as meaningful as Game 1 for Calgary. While it’s not a must win, going home with a 2-0 cushion isn’t such a bad thing either.
I mean, the Calgary faithful aren’t exactly going to play nice with the Canucks.
The Flames play the same kind of hockey that they do at home as they do on the road — aggressive, overly physical, and ready at a moment’s notice to change the game around. For the moment, things could not be in a better place for the Calgary Flames.
Jonas Hiller was also a big reason that they escaped Game 1 victorious. The former Anaheim Duck saved 29 out of 30 shots that came his way and stopped one of the most notorious scoring franchises in the NHL.
Ever.
After being a critical part of Anaheim’s collapse last year, Hiller knows all to well what it’s like to see glory escape you by the hair on your neck.
And Vancouver knows better, too. Trust me.
Expect a dogfight. Nothing less. The Flames are coming for you, whether you like it or not.
Game 2 of this series will be on Friday at 10 pm ET.
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