It wasn’t easy, but the Flames edged Chicago in a classic western shootout to knot the series at 2 apiece. Calgary’s 6-4 win came with a price, though, as it appeared that Daymond Langkow and Craig Conroy may have suffered significant injuries.
Before I go any further, I must address the newest controversy in this crazy postseason! On Eric Nystrom’s game-winner, the Flames committed a hand pass just moments before the deciding goal. It was very subtle, but as Langkow batted the puck down from out of the air, Nystrom tipped… …

A preview of the first round series between Chicago and Calgary.

The penalty shot call in the final minute of today’s game was as bad a call as I have ever seen. Kronwall’s defensive play there was impeccable, and completely within the rules. The deep ref had absolutely no business taking the outcome of the game in his hands like that. A straight penalty would have been a terrible call, and the penalty shot was just appalling. The official’s job is to manage the game, not determine its outcome. Unbelievable idiocy on his part.
That said, it wouldn’t even be an issue …

Luongo keeps Canucks in Northwest race
Going into last night, the Flames could have wrapped up the Northwest Division with a regulation win in Vancouver. But Roberto Luongo had different plans. Calgary pelted Luongo with a lot of rubber, but he turned away 46 of 47 shots en route to the Canucks’ 4-1 win.
Jarome Iginla knotted the game at 1 in the 2nd, but Mattias Ohlund responded 22 seconds later with his first of two goals. The Flames had their chances in the 3rd with 3 power plays… but couldn’t crack …

Words simply can’t express the importance of tonight’s game with the Chicago Blackhawks. If the Predators lose (even in OT) tonight, they will have no choice but to win difficult road games at Detroit and Minnesota Thursday and Friday. It’s Fan Appreciation Night with caps for all and a bunch of prizes. Maybe Jackson with his multiple entries will fare better tonight than he did Saturday.
Keys to the Game - The team and the crowd needs to show up for the opening puck drop and never let down. Pekka needs …

The Nashville Predators fought a tough battle with the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center but came up on the short end of a 3-1 score. Chicago clinched their first playoff berth in seven years while the Preds are close to missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2002-2003 season.
The Predators started the game with a lot of jump with the line of Cal O’Reilly, Steve Sullivan and Joel Ward looking like they were ready to play. The Blackhawks scored early at 5:22 in the first period on …