It was Hockey Day in Canada on Saturday, an event that brought attention to the game which has become a thread in the fabric which is Canadian identity. All seven Canadian teams were in action, including a showdown between the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames.
The points up for grabs were crucial, as both the teams are still fighting for a playoff spot. It also signified the first rivalry game that the Flames were playing since their fight-filled affair with the Edmonton Oilers on Feb.1. Those were some of the factors that made the game especially important.