For the first time this season, Calgary carried a lead into the third period of play and lost in regulation…that’s exactly what happened Sunday night in southern California as the Flames fell 5-4 at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks. Calgary falls to 26-17-6 on the season, and they lost their 11th straight game at the Honda Center in Anaheim.
The Ducks have now won 6 of their last 7 games and 7 straight games on home ice, but I don’t come away from this one thinking the Ducks rolled en route to a win. Was not impressed with the Ducks, as they were very lax defensively. But, the Flames weren’t impressive either, as they strayed away from the identity Brent Sutter wants from them for too much of this game. They need to get back to that heading into a Monday game in San Jose, no question…but it must be hard for a head coach to point to HOW you’re supposed to play without a ton of examples to back it up. Calgary played their game for 3 straight games (Van, Col, Pit) but gained just 3 points in that span. Yet, that’s the hockey the coaching staff needs them to continue.
The 800 pound gorilla of course would be Curtis McElhinney, who fell to 3-4 on the season with the loss. He was not impressive, letting in 2 goals that should not have gotten past him…Evgeni Artyhukin and Bobby Ryan both scored questionable tallies. Don’t know what else to say though…we’re past the halfway mark of the season, if you’re thinking that Calgary needs to do something at that position, I’m not sure if this is the time.
The powerplay laid another goose-egg on this night, but they did show signs of improving…firing 11 shots on net on 3 man advantage opportunities. But, they didn’t score, and they’re now 1 for 25 over their last 8 games…that stretch needs to come to an end very soon. 1 interesting wrinkle…Robyn Regehr saw a lot of PP time in front of the net. Brent Sutter said following the game he needed a big body in front that wasn’t going to move away. For what it’s worth, I liked it.
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