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Well the Flames started strong, with a pretty solid first period which I like to think was helped by the level of excitement in the building. However after one period they only had one goal, one post and one crossbar to show for it. Neimi played strong, and the Sharks were able to weather the storm and come out even stronger in the second than the Flames had in the first. That one period by San Jose was enough to blow the season opener us fans waited far too long for.

The bright spots were Mikael Backlund and Jay Bouwmeester. Although JayBou was by no means a star, he was at least noticeable with a couple shots on net.

Jiri Hudler did not play, although it’s thought that he flew back from the Czech Republic yesterday. He should be available for tonight’s game against the Ducks. I’ve also updated the depth chart based on last night’s game, click for the latest Calgary line combinations.

After two lackluster periods this game was actually pretty exciting. You know, for a game that means absolutely nothing.

Cammy scored two to get to 20, and the Flames handed the Canucks their first regulation loss when leading after two in 129 games — or something insane like that.

One more Flames fans, then we can all have a real long summer break. Go St. Louis! And whoever plays Vancouver!

I didn’t even watch this game.

Flames suck.

Next.

Whatever.

I expect no more from this hockey team. I’m not sure why they keep talking like they could do more, this is just all the skill they have. And have had, for some time now.

Here is the Flames’ records from the past three years (assuming the last few games go as the past few have):

2009–10 40-32-10 for 90 points

2010–11 41-29-12 for 94 points

2011-12 37-30-15 for 89 points

So not only are they missing the playoffs for the third straight year, they are getting worse.

How bad were the Flames? The third star of the night was Jay Bouwmeester (for some reason) who had no points and was a -2 on the night.

There was a lot of chippy play and four on four in this game. Kipper let in a couple real softies from Jamie Benn, but the Flames were able to come back each time.

The biggest thing I noticed about this game was how the Flames just allowed the Stars to enter their zone any time they wanted. These Calgary D suck ass this year. Where is Derek Smith and T.J. Brodie when you need them?

The other thing I noticed was just how invisible Curtis Glencross was in this game. Maybe he’s hurt. Or at least has some sort of excuse for his suckiness.

The Flames went 3 for 6 in the first two periods, which fueled a four goal outburst for Calgary in the second. Dallas scored early in the third to bring themselves within one, but it wasn’t enough this time.

Bottom line? Too little, too late.

Kiprusoff selected as Masterton nominee: Calgary Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff has been nominated for the prestigious Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy by the Calgary Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association (PHWA). The annual award goes to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Or as one blogger puts it, for putting up with being a Calgary Flame for the past seven years.

Well if you thought there may be a slight chance still, there is nothing like a four-game losing streak to squash all of your hopes. And who did Sutter put out there when the season was (once again) on the line? Stajan, Stempniak, Jones, Comeau. Those were your shootout heros… they combined for a total of zero goals.  Cripes.

The Flames dominated the first period, outshooting the Wild 17-4, but that was all they had for the game as Minnesota not only came back to tie it when down by two – you’ll remember that is what happened last time as well – but this time they won in the shootout.

So if the Flames season wasn’t already over before, it sure as hell is over now.