DETROIT -- In two games, Pavel Datsyuk has potted two goals for the Detroit Red Wings.
His linemate, Henrik Zetterberg, has fired 11 shots on goal and is a plus-3 despite failing to collect any points.
The other linemate, Tomas Holmstrom, has a helper, fired six shots on goal and caused havoc, setting screens in front of Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.
In comparison, the Calgary Flames' top line has combined for ... well, not much.
Alex Tanguay scored a late third-period goal in the opening game but Jarome Iginla and Craig Conroy have zero points.
Iginla was the one Flame to provide a physical presence in the first game but he has only two shots on goal in his two nondescript performances.
"It's two games now that we have not been good at all," said the Calgary captain after yesterday's 3-1 loss.
"We have to be better all-around. We knew Detroit is very good on their defensive game and keeping their shots down. But we have played against Detroit a lot and we have always found ways to break through and get things done. We've got to do it now.
"We ... have to get back to working harder and to out-compete them and that starts with our line, myself personally."
Iginla may be used to bearing the brunt of the team's failures -- being the captain and highest-paid player -- but by no means is he the only player who deserves criticism. At least he's been noticeable in the opening two games.
The same can't be said for the rest of Calgary's top-end skaters.
Tanguay's time in the spotlight yesterday was spent leaving the puck in his feet long enough for Datsyuk to grab it, shoot it and open the scoring.
Conroy was moved to a different line by the Game 2's midway point.
As well, Daymond Langkow has been a non-factor other than providing a screen on Calgary's lone goal yesterday.
Kristian Huselius was the goat for his poor back checking on the Game 2 insurance goal by Valtteri Filpulla.
If these players can't find their game soon, Calgary's playoff run will end this week.
"When we're out there, we've got to do something," Conroy said. "Whatever the lines are in the next game, we've got to find pairings that are going to score."
