Post-Game: CGY vs. SJ

Other than the last 4 minutes of the game, I really liked what I saw from the Flames last night.
They kind of fell apart in those last four minutes, but I thought the overall effort was awesome. The Iggy line has been really struggling lately but it has shown that we do have some depth on the other three lines as they have continued to win, hence the 5-4 win and the 4 game winning streak.

I really liked what I saw from the Tanguay-Conroy-Nolan line. Tanguay showed why he shouldn't be traded. He played great, he was the reason for two of Nolan's goals especially the third one and his defensive game is top-notch. Nolan I thought had a terrible first period but really showed some jump after that. He deserved his hat-trick even though one was handed on a platter to him, thank you Nabokov. I think if he can continue to put the puck in the net, with the help of Tanguay, along with his toughness which we all saw as he pumped Grier, he could be very valuable in the playoffs. Lets just hope he keeps this up. I thought Boyd played well for the little he did play and I thought the duo of Phaneuf and Aucoin was also very solid.

I do however still think that the Flames like I have said since almost the start of the year need another top-4 defensemen. Someone to get Hale out of the line-up and then have him, Warrener and Eriksson rotate through for the 6th spot. Guys that could maybe be available are John-Michael Liles, Rob Blake, Brad Stuart, Marek Malik, Dan Boyle, Michal Rosival, Mike Commodore, Barret Jackman and maybe even Brian Campbell. Liles is very unlikely with Colorado being in our division and Campbell's and Boyle asking price would probably be high. Campbell or Boyle would be the ideal situation. Otherwise I think Rosival, Jackman or Commodore could be a very good fit.

Finally a report from TSN is saying that the Flames and Dion Phaneuf are very close in signing a long-term contract extension. This is very good news with Dion just playing better and better every game and for the future of the Calgary Flames. I am extremely happy with this news and will be even more happy when it is official.