Interesting stuff:
Wasn't this supposed to be the more-open, higher-scoring new NHL?
The Flames apparently misplaced that memo.
Heading into their Monday evening clash with the St. Louis Blues, the Flames are still doing a fine job of collecting points in the standings, but the offensive well appears to have gone bone dry.
In their last seven games, the latest a 2-1 overtime loss to Nashville, the Flames have scored just 11 goals. The only reason they've managed a winning record in that time (4-1-2) is the fact they've held opponents to only nine goals.
Granted, it's a great sign No. 1 goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff and back-up Curtis Joseph are on their games, but that offensive output is not going to do the job.
Kristian Huselius (20 games) and Matthew Lombardi (19 games) have gone into dreadfully long goal-scoring slumps, but they're not alone in trying to find offense.
Jarome Iginla, whose next goal will put him ahead of Theoren Fleury for the franchise's all-time lead, has two goals, during the last seven contests -- both coming in the 3-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes.
Meanwhile, Alex Tanguay has again gone into a slump, Owen Nolan has seen his production disappear and on and on and on.
Craig Conroy is the brightest light, with three goals in that span, and the only player to tally in the last two games.
"We've got so many talented guys. It's just a matter of time before they start to go in," Conroy said.
PREDATORS 2, FLAMES 1 (OT): Miikka Kiprusoff held the fort through the first period, but the Flames goaltender couldn't put together back-to-back shutouts. Apparently, that's what his Calgary Flames teammates need to win right now.
Kiprusoff was excellent again in a one-sided opening frame and allowed his team to gain the lead on Craig Conroy's second-period goal, but wasn't able to stop all that came his way and the Flames fell 2-1 in overtime to the Predators.
It's the ninth overtime/shootout loss on home ice this season for the Flames, who did maintain first place in the Northwest Division.