Flames douse Isles, set tone for next season

Calgary Fans, since 1989, when GM Panunto took over the team in the preseason, and promised a rebuild that would take years, here we are at the turning point.  In 1989, the Flames finished with 22 wins, and every subsequent season since, the Flames have reduced the number of wins they've earned all the way down to 16 last season. 

Going into game #79, the Flames had just earned win number 25 surprising the Sabres.  Tonight, against the Isles, a team that is finally starting its rebuilding process, we saw into the future of two teams that are going in opposite directions.

The game was a team effort from the first whistle to the last. Six different players had at least 2 points for the Flames which is a rare affair.  Shayne Corson, continuing his positive streak since joining the Flames, opened the scoring two minutes into the game on passes from Bureau and Vopat.  With the Isles' Noonan in the box for goalie interference, Ed Kastelic scored his 22nd of the season on passes from Tkachuk and Hughes.  

The 2nd period would be somewhat of a better one for the Isles who would manage two goals including one shorthanded.  However, Fedorov's 32nd midway through the game would ensure the Flames left the 2nd period with a 3-2 lead.  

The 3rd period was all effort and grind as the Flames opened the score on Niedermayer's 16th of the season (another PP marker).   Bureau would score his 19th soon after . The Islanders' Hodge and our very own Linden would then trade goals with no repercussion or impact on the outcome of the game.  Linden's 29th goal was also thanks to Fedorov's 62nd assist for the season.

Final score 6-3 Flames with Bureau 1st star with 1 goal and 2 assists, Fedorov 2nd star with 1 goal and 1 assist and Tkachuk 3rd star with 2 assists.  Linden, Hughes and Kastelic also ended with 2 points on the night. This win made it #26 for the year and tomorrow the Flames hope to close out the season on the road with another win against the Sabres.