The big word last season was “unsustainable”. The Flames couldn’t possibly keep it up, they were getting too many bounces, come from behind wins, out fancied in fancy stats.
This year though the correction has been somewhat cruel.
None crueler than tonight’s game in Tampa as the Flames took the play to their hosts from the 6th to 55th minute but failed to convert in far too many blue chip chances, falling 3-1 to the opportunistic Tampa side.
And the road trip doesn’t get any easier.
The Flow
The Flames looked to get blownout in the first five or so minutes as they had a shift after shift fire drill that could and should have had them down a goal or two yet they weathered the storm. Calgary rights the ship midway through the period and actually outplays Tampa the rest of the way through the stanza but the game remains scoreless.
The second was literally all Calgary. Stamkos gets a goal disallowed for a kicking motion, but the Bolts find the net a few minutes later when a lucky skate deflection puts the puck on Boyle’s stick who fires the puck through traffic and past Ramo. The Flames tie it up when Sam Bennett deflects a hard Mikael Backlund pass for a powerplay goal and the game heads to the final 20 tied at one. Flames hold a 14-6 shot advantage in the second but aren’t rewarded.
Calgary drives the play in the third period as well, but it’s a Mark Giordano tripping penalty with 7 minutes to play that sends the Lightning to the powerplay, which of course results in a Stamkos goal and the Flames are in trouble again. Late as the team struggles to get control to get Ramo out they turn the puck over and Johnson makes it 3-1 and the rest is academic.
Three Stars
1.Ben Bishop : The hulking Tampa goaltender was busier than Ramo, turning aside 30 of 31 shots, potentially stealing one for the home side.
2.Tyler Johnson : Two points in the third period as he sets up the game winner, and scores the game salter.
3.Sean Monahan : Five shots on goal but came up empty in a game that could have easily finished with 3 for the third year player. All kids of chances.
Big Save
Bishop managed to fumble his way across the crease to rob Sean Monahan in the first. The point blank shot looked to beat him short side but he got over and got his side on the puck keeping it out.
The Goat
Not sure if I have it in for the guy, but Denis Wideman was really fighting the puck again tonight. Now that he’s on the third pairing there isn’t anywhere else to sink but to the press box. Veteran was -2 tonight and didn’t handle the puck very well.
Mr. Clutch
Another solid effort from Johnny Gaudreau as he logged almost 24 minutes, had three shots, two hits and continues to stir the drink. Special player.
Odds and Ends
Good sign to see Sean Monahan in and around the puck tonight. Reminded me a lot of his rookie season where he just seemed to arrive in the slot at the right time to make an impact with his shot. If he’s “feeling it” again you just have to think he’ll start to fill the net. Robbed and had bad bounces tonight or he would have scored up to five goals. … Still don’t think Jiri Hudler looks right. His compete level just doesn’t look all that strong, but then again maybe it’s a lost step. … Loved watching Bennett/Frolik/Backlund again tonight. That line has all kinds of jam and comes to play every shift. … Kari Ramo certainly gets a passing grade for me tonight as he was very strong to start the game and played well from beginning to end. … Loved that fourth line energy with Ferland inserted. Sure he has the big hit from time to time but his hands are crazy. That through his legs short side play he tried in the first was surprising to say the least. … Hate to keep raining math down on you, but at 5-11-1 this season really is on ice. I hope Burke and Treliving have the guts to make the right moves with UFAs and veteran players to get the rebuild going and secure a draft pick in the top ten. The only assets in move they should make is securing a goaltender that they can work with for the next two to three years until Gillies or McDonald are ready.
Next Up
Things don’t get much easier tomorrow night when the Flames head into Washington to take on the Capitals. Game time 5pm Calgary, Sportsnet.
Lines:
Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Jiri Hudler
Sam Bennett – Mikael Backlund- Michael Frolik
Joe Colborne – Matt Stajan – David Jones
Micheal Ferland – Derek Grant – Josh Jooris
Mark Giordano – TJ Brodie
Kris Russell – Dougie Hamilton
Ladislav Smid – Dennis Wideman
Kari Ramo
