AP Going into the Calgary Flames’ game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, 35-year-old forward Jarome Iginla was still searching for his first goal of the season.
The Flames captain has built a reputation for being able to consistently find the back of the net every season, but his first 25 shots on goal were stopped.
Iginla was able to put all that behind him when he positioned himself in front of Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard and shoveled the puck into the back of the net when the opportunity presented itself early in the first period.
“The first of the year is always nice to get over with,” Iginla said, in a Calgary Sun report.
“You never want to go six without it, and at the beginning of the season, it’s always magnified.”
You can watch his goal below:
The shortened season alone has amplified every cold streak, but Iginla is under additional scrutiny because of his star status and the fact that his contract will expire this summer.
He should have no trouble getting a new deal, even if he struggles, but there’s also the constant question of if the Flames will trade him while he’s still under their control and before his age degrades his market value too much.
That line of speculation will lose a lot of its fuel if the Flames can compete this season, but they have a uphill battle ahead of them despite their victory on Tuesday.
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“Corey has been great for us all year, all playoffs.”
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It boils down to mistakes of all kinds.
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What a difference one goal makes.
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He played less than three minutes in Game 4.
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“If he sees the puck, he’s going to be almost impossible to beat.”
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His middle name isn’t “Game Over.” We checked.
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It’s now 2-2 after an exciting 6-5 thriller.
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The Bruins won’t give up.
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… And there were plenty of other close calls.
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Vancouver Canucks would appreciate the cap space.
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Michal Handzus scores first, Rich Peverley ties it.
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The money part has been settled, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
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In case you were worrying about another late scratch.
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The Swede wasn’t getting benched during playoff games, for one.
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Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
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37-year-old ‘tender ready to call it a career.
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That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
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Pittsburgh’s Dan Bylsma considered to be a favorite for the position.
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Apparently Glen Sather and Mike Gillis don’t see the game evolving the same way
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Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
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The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
