With a chance to rebound from a lackluster home performance, Calgary visited the Colorado Avalanche in an attempt to get back on the winning track. That didn’t happen, instead they were spanked and taught how hard work for 60 minutes is a basic component of winning hockey games. Here is a brief summary of what’s been going wrong.

  • First off, coaching mistake for playing Kipper yesterday, who turned in an awful performance, and McElhinney today, who turned in a subpar performance. Switching the two may have improved the goaltending situations.
  • Inability to establish forechecks and loose defensive plays caused problems for the FLames. Odd man rushes and breakaways were more prevalent tonight.
  • Star players are still having huge problems. Another quiet night for Iginla and Phaneuf.
  • Dare I say it but the Flames are missing Bertuzzi. ON that subject, the coaching staff can’t figure out worthwhile lines to generate some intensity.
  • Finally, blame players themselves. As a unit when everyone is doing their job they give themselves a chance to improve, when it doesn’t happen it all falls apart.

All is not lost, far from it, but Calgary could head for a tailspin if they don’t right their lost ways in a hurry. Back to basics and maybe some more continuity for first line combos would be a start. It may be time to try a Daymond Langkow down the middle for Iginla or nobody will be scoring soon.