Cool it, Flames

Anaheim vs Calgary
11.2.08

The Ducks were on a roll tonight.

Just 1:46 into the first period, Ryan Getzlaf managed to score the first goal of the game, and the Ducks never seemed to lose their momentum from that point forward.

Despite 8 penalties, including a four minute double minor, the Ducks managed to triumph tonight over the Calgary Flames for their sixth win in the past seven games. Their current overall record is 7-5-1, much improved from the rocky 1-5-0 record they had for the first six games.

The team record wasnt the only improvement tonight. Giguere was back in the net tonight, having been pulled in the second period of the last game after letting in 4 goals out of 13 shots. He faced 36 shots tonight, and only let in 2 to keep the Ducks one goal ahead of the Flames.

The second period has always been a shakey one for the Ducks, but tonight seemed to be the exception to the rule. Two goals were scored within a minute of eachother by Chris Pronger and Ryan Carter to put the Ducks ahead of the Flames, 3-0.

Calgary was quick to answer, and scored goal midway through the second period. Corey Perry almost had a goal in the last few minutes of the period, but it was waved off, as he had collided with the goalie as the puck sailed into the net. He was upset with the call, and his tantrum earned him a double minor for goalie interference and unsportsmanlike conduct.

The third period started with the Ducks at 3, Calgary 1, and Corey Perry in the penalty box for the remaining 3 minutes of his double minor penalty. The Flames were intent on making it a good game, and Todd Bertuzzi, a former Duck, scored on Jiggy on the Perry's penalty. To add insult to injury, it should be noted that the Ducks are still paying a portion of Bertuzzi's salary, 2.67 million of it, after the buyout last season.

The Ducks managed to hold on to the lead for the remaining 18 minutes of the game, despite pressure from Calgary, and an extra player when the Flames pulled their goalie with 2 minutes remaining in the game. Jiggy proved he's still a brick wall, with 34 saves.

And as a side note, Chris Kunitz and Ryan Getzlaf were the Duck's "Stars of the Game" tonight. Only one of them has all his teeth. Can you guess which one? Although it's worth saying he's actually improved his game since he's lost his tooth.... perhaps it was a curse?