First back to back regulation loss in over two months. That’s really good. Really good at this point, unfortunately, doesn’t cut it.
I said after the Phoenix game that Calgary were going to lose tonight> I also suggest we don’t want to wind up 8th because that would mean Vancouver in the first round.
Calgary showed enough to suggest they can fight with the best, but they were hammered with defensive breakdowns. A combination of creative play from the Sedin sisters and times of chaotic defensive coverage contributed to squandering leads twice.
The Flames are out of the playoffs but not out of the race. They are still looking strong and are getting contributions from most players.
It’s evident, however, that the top line is suffering in absence of a top line C. Well not that Calgary has ever had that option, but David Moss, a third line winger/C on any other team, is playing top line center.
Every third or even every other game presence from the top line is no good. At this point it has to be every night and tonight they were mostly absent. They did get the tying third goal, but were effectively shut down.
If calgary has a chance they have to clear up some defensive issues in the third line pairing and hope that the likes of Stajan and Jokinen and find the back of the net because right now the Flames are almost at the cusp of the playoff picture but are significantly suffering from dominant centermen.
Not an impressive game for sure and not what fans had anticipated. If the Flames cannot win against elite teams than it is not even worth being in the playoffs. If indeed they face the Canucks in the playoffs, they will be done in the first round….Things don’t look too good, and the Flames better start perking up their spirits.