Flame followers, who began the weekend contemplating about putting their heros into the “Elite team” category, can hold that thought.

Elite NHL teams don’t have a weekend like the Flames just experienced.

After beating the Sharks in San Jose on Thursday, 3-2, the Flames did send positive vibes about elevating their status.

Back-to-back losses to a couple teams considered to be a notch below was definitely a mis-step.

One setback would be palitable, not 2.

Saturday’s 4-3 defeat to Phoenix was a case of the Coyotes Illya Brysgalov  outdueling Miikka Kiprusoff, who his first night in quite a while.

Sunday’s 6-2 drubbing in Colorado was a poor effort in front of rookie goalie Curtis McElhinney especially the first period when the Flames were outshot, 20-8.  McElhinney was unbeatable until late in the period before the Avs got a SHG and a PPG in 1:55.

McElhinney must wonder about this backup thing.

In his 5 starts over the last 2 years he has yet to win. He’s averaged 35 shots when the team average is 27. His ‘mates have scored just 8 goals in the 5 matches.

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