David Moss never thought he’d witness anything like it.
In the aftermath of Friday’s crucial 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Moss and his Flames teammates gathered behind closed doors to — gasp! — root for the arch-rival Edmonton Oilers in their clash with the Detroit Red Wings.
The Flames had just leapfroged the Wings and moved into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Now, they needed to find out if they’d get any help from the least likely of sources — the last-place Oilers.
“It’s really important, so all the guys were watching,” Moss said.
Although Wings rearguard Brian Rafalski scored with less than a second left to send the game to overtime, the Oilers eventually registered a 3-2 win in the shootout.
Calgary-born backstop Devan Dubnyk netted his first NHL victory between the pipes. On this night, he had some unusual suspects cheering him on.
The Flames and Wings wnow have 81 points apiece, although the boys from Motown have one game in hand putting them in eighth and the Flames in ninth. The Flames have two more victories.
“It’s unfortunate they couldn’t do it regulation and gave up that late goal, but it’s a big point — a point (the Red Wings) didn’t get,” said Flames blueliner Ian White. “It was exciting. It was great to see Dubnyk get his first win and we sure let a roar go.”
Perhaps nobody was more relieved than Staios, the defenceman who spent almost eight full seasons in Oilers silks before arriving at the Saddledome as part of a historic swap at the trade deadline.
Although he admitted to sending a text message to Oilers captain Ethan Moreau requesting a bit of assistance Friday night, Staios stressed the Flames must focus on the things they can control.
“We gained a point on the race tonight and as long as we keep preparing the way we have been and playing strong hockey, we’re going to give ourselves a good chance,” Staios said. “We played a solid game and we got the win. Right now, as you’re watching it, it’s pretty intense and you’re scoreboard-watching a little bit.
“But when we wake up tomorrow, we know we handled our situation and played a strong game at home and we can prepare for the next game now.”
wes.gilbertson@sunmedia.ca
