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DFyvie · 04-09-2020, 01:57 AM

Flames blowout Predators, lose Boyle
20.03.04 22:30MST

Despite win, Flames lose best d-man indefinitely

Tonight, the Flames got their 49th win of the season, but lost their number 1 defenseman indefinitely with what team officials are calling an 'upper body injury' that threatens to impact the Flames' chances in the Playoffs next month.

The 8-0 win over Nashville draws the Flames within one point of the Conference leading St.Louis Blues with 101 points.

Robyn Regehr opened the scoring in the dying seconds of the first from Martin Gelinas and Tom Preissing on the powerplay at 19:45. A goal from Tim Connolly early in the second doubled the lead, again from Gelinas and centre Chris Drury.

The Flames exploded for 6 goals in the 3rd period. Gelinas scored his second on the night, Mike Cammalleri, enjoying a breakout season, scored two, and Tim Connolly scored his second of the night. Georges Laraque and Dean McAmmond also tallied goals in the onslaught.

But away from the goal celebrations was the absence of Dan Boyle, who has emerged as an important factor on this team. Not on the bench in the 3rd, officials indicated that on a play in the corner Boyle suffered a severe upper body injury that takes him out of the lineup for the rest of the season and into the playoffs.

Coach Maurice was limited in what he could say. "All we can say at the moment is that the injury takes him out of hockey indefinitely. He's had a few injuries this year and we've done well enough without him, but he skates top minutes for us and as a coach, you wish you had him to use when you need him."

Boyle has 10 goals and 39 points in 59 games, having already missed 16 games this season with previous injuries. He broke out offensively in 2001/02, his first full year with the Flames, with 15 goals and 51 points in 80 games. He followed that up with an 11 goal 52 point season last year which has cemented his status as a true number one defenseman.

Calgary will have rookie Tom Preissing and veteran Alexei Zhitnik on hand to pick up the slack, left behind by Boyle.

Calgary next hosts the Dallas Stars on Mar 22nd to begin the stretch that ends the season on the 4th of April. The sit comfortably in second in the West, with one point shy of the St.Louis Blues who have 102 points on the year.

04-09-2020, 01:57 AM	#44
DFyvie Major Leagues Join Date: May 2014 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 383 Blog Entries: 2	Flames blowout Predators, lose Boyle Flames blowout Predators, lose Boyle 20.03.04 22:30MST Despite win, Flames lose best d-man indefinitely Tonight, the Flames got their 49th win of the season, but lost their number 1 defenseman indefinitely with what team officials are calling an 'upper body injury' that threatens to impact the Flames' chances in the Playoffs next month. The 8-0 win over Nashville draws the Flames within one point of the Conference leading St.Louis Blues with 101 points. Robyn Regehr opened the scoring in the dying seconds of the first from Martin Gelinas and Tom Preissing on the powerplay at 19:45. A goal from Tim Connolly early in the second doubled the lead, again from Gelinas and centre Chris Drury. The Flames exploded for 6 goals in the 3rd period. Gelinas scored his second on the night, Mike Cammalleri, enjoying a breakout season, scored two, and Tim Connolly scored his second of the night. Georges Laraque and Dean McAmmond also tallied goals in the onslaught. But away from the goal celebrations was the absence of Dan Boyle, who has emerged as an important factor on this team. Not on the bench in the 3rd, officials indicated that on a play in the corner Boyle suffered a severe upper body injury that takes him out of the lineup for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. Coach Maurice was limited in what he could say. "All we can say at the moment is that the injury takes him out of hockey indefinitely. He's had a few injuries this year and we've done well enough without him, but he skates top minutes for us and as a coach, you wish you had him to use when you need him." Boyle has 10 goals and 39 points in 59 games, having already missed 16 games this season with previous injuries. He broke out offensively in 2001/02, his first full year with the Flames, with 15 goals and 51 points in 80 games. He followed that up with an 11 goal 52 point season last year which has cemented his status as a true number one defenseman. Calgary will have rookie Tom Preissing and veteran Alexei Zhitnik on hand to pick up the slack, left behind by Boyle. Calgary next hosts the Dallas Stars on Mar 22nd to begin the stretch that ends the season on the 4th of April. The sit comfortably in second in the West, with one point shy of the St.Louis Blues who have 102 points on the year.