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   Fri, March 12, 2010


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Kipper gets extra help from friends
By IAN BUSBY, QMI Agency




Miikka Kiprusoff's 34th shutout of his career came due to another startling number.

The Calgary Flames blocked 30 shot attempts by the Ottawa Senators Thursday night for an ugly 2-0 victory.

With Kiprusoff's 33 saves, the Senators took the majority of blasts at the net, but the Flames' first shot held up as the winner thanks to a total defensive effort.

"It's a good thing guys are paying the price," Kiprusoff said. "We need to do that if we want to win these games."

Mark Giordano led the charge with six blocks, while Cory Sarich took five off his legs, including two that required him to limp off.

Jay Bouwmeester had three blocks, and Ian White stepped in front of three.

Forward Eric Nystrom stepped in front of two blasts, one of which sent him to the dressing room temporarily.

Overall, it was a gritty effort for the defenders, who sacrificed some short-term pain for the chance at victory.

"We want to do that every night, be a good shot-blocking team," said Flames head coach Brent Sutter.

"Tonight moreso than we need to be because we spent so much time in our own zone."

On the Senators' side, only two players -- Peter Regin and Matt Carkner -- didn't have a shot attempt blocked by a Flames player.

Regin had two beautiful chances from the slot but he put one over the net and Kiprusoff got his blocker on another that went off the crossbar.













Do you think the NHL will ever return to Quebec City?
  Yes, no matter what
  Yes, with a new rink
  No, market too small
  No, not a priority
  Unsure


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