Christmas Comes Early for Calgary

Perhaps an early Christmas present for Flames' fans, the month of December has certainly been kind. Despite the snow, bitter cold, and freezing temperatures, the Calgary Flames are anything but freezing, beginning December with an impressive 7-0-3 record. Without a regulation loss, Calgary looks poised to return atop the northwest division sitting only 4 points back of division rivals, the Vancouver Canucks.

Leading the way is none other than Jarome Iginla, who has notched 11 goals and 4 assists in the ten game span. Iginla, the undisputed leader of the Calgary Flames is on pace for a career year in goals (54), assists (57), points (111), +/- (+25), and shots (350). A potential Hart trophy win is without question a possibility for the Edmonton, Alberta native. What is most surprising however has been the play of Iginla’s linemates, Kristian Huselius and Daymond Langkow; the three have combined for an outstanding 29 points over the past four games. It was actually Jarome himself who suggested that he be paired with the duo at the beginning of the month, and the move accepted by head coach Mike Keenan has proved dividends to his surging team. With four players having 30+ points and the team showing no signs of slowing down, this is as good as it gets for Keenan’s troops.

Keenan himself, who had come under harsh criticism early in the season, is rejuvenated with the team’s success.

“I think the fire's really burning right now. I'm looking forward to hopefully many more years of this yet because I've got that passion back again and it feels good", he said.

The locker room is also experiencing some early Christmas cheer. Team morale has seen a significant boost in December with Calgary's captain expressing sheer excitement.

“It feels awesome. It's one of the best, most enjoyable stretches I've been on since being here”, he told reporters.

The powerplay has also flourished in December, with Calgary potting 9 powerplay goals on a 24% proficiency rate. Compare that to the Flames' woeful powerplay in November where they went an abysmal 5/47, and it’s easy to see that the Flames are firing on all cylinders.

Miikka Kiprusoff, who was called out by Keenan last month has risen to the occasion is back playing solid hockey. ‘Kipper’, who sits 2nd in the league with 17 wins, has had a .917 save percentage and a 2.6 GAA in Calgary's last ten games. Not the magical numbers Kiprusoff is capable of, but with 35 goals on their current 10 game span the Flames’ simply need Kipper to keep them in the game. And without question, he’s given them a chance to win every single night.

The only question now is if the red hot Flames can continue their winning ways in 2008. Just like Christmas came early for Calgary, Flames’ fans can only hope that it extends well on into the new year.