LA Kings are shut by Calgary Flames in LA as they try to get into the playoff picture (2/09)
It was a sweet homecoming for ex-King Michael Cammalleri and a good victory for the Calgary Flames. Despite having a tough, long game the night before and losing to the Ducks in Overtime, the Flames showed their resiliency and tough defense to shut out the Kings 2-0 at the Staples Center. Flames goaltender, Miikka Kiprusoff, was at his best and stymied the home team all night with 36 saves. Even though the Kings had a 3-1 advantage of power plays in the first period, Calgary was the team that came up with the power play goal with Cammalleri notching his team leading 29th of the season with assists from new comer and ex-Duck, Todd Bertuzzi, and their best overall player, All-star and Captain, Jarome Iginla.
Calgary is a very solid and deep team this year. They may give Detroit and San Jose a run for their money especially if Kiprusoff is hot. Left wing Rene Bourque, who scored the only other goal on an empty net, is having a great season along with Center Daymond Lankow, and defensemen Adrian Aucoin and assistant captain Dion Phaneuf.
The Kings had some chances to tie the game especially early in the 3rd period as they had a 5-3 advantage for almost 2 minutes but couldn’t get on the scoreboard. The home team is still battling to get into the playoffs but will need some depth in scoring besides their top 3 players (Kopitar, Brown and Frolov). The defense is looking strong and Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty have been playing well and even together a bit. Goalie Jonathon Quick has been steady and has an impressive “goals against average”. Erik Ersberg was playing well and he dethroned Jason LaBarbera who has since been traded. Ersberg had been strong in net but then had an injury and Quick took over and he hasn’t looked back or given up the number one goalie position.
The Kings have some important upcoming home games vs. Edmonton and Atlanta and need to capitalize after a great road trip as they won 4 out of 5. More at