Frustration. It’s a common feeling running rampant through the hearts and souls of Flames fans these days.
Coming off a wild and wacky shootout victory over the divisional powerhouse San Jose Sharks barely 20 hours prior, the Flames might be expected to be a little sluggish coming into tonight’s contest against the Arizona Coyotes.
But the Coyotes are in a free fall toward a shot at coveted local superstar prospect Auston Matthews. Losers of five straight, and nine of their past 11 overall, the two points couldn’t be any riper for the pickin’ for the Calgary Flames.
Two points out of a crazy affair in San Jose, zero points out of yet another dud in the desert. One step forward, one step back. And perpetually caught in playoff purgatory as they climb out of the cellar that would land them another high pick difference maker like Monahan or Bennett but fail to reach the heights that would see postseason play and the fun and funds that April hockey brings.
On The Line
A chance for the Flames to keep the winning streak rolling and leapfrog the Coyotes in the standings.
The Flow
The Flames actually looked pretty decent in the opening minutes, maybe feeding off the confidence a fortunate win the night before breeds. But that was snuffed out faster than Hiller could ease to his knees. Shane Doan’s weak wrister found the fivehole of an unready Hiller and perhaps answered the question if he’s prepared to shoulder the full load now that Ramo has fallen. Eric Furlatt, the whistle happy referee who was responsible for blowing the majority of the nine infractions the Flames took last night, followed the team to Glendale and continued the penalty parade with seven calls in the period but the Flames powerplay looked as sloppy as ever and the 1-0 score held into the intermission.
One of the oddest plays you’ll see opened the second period. Toby Rieder beat Hiller through the ol’ seven hole as the puck clanked in off the back post… or so it would appear. On further review it showed the puck actually struck the crossbar, and spun down to the goalline which it never crossed. Rieder looked quite the fool as he skated by the dormant puck and an empty net with his arms raised in celebration as everyone, including the refs, thought the puck was already in. Would it have counted if he had swatted it in despite the whistle and goal horn going off? Who knows. More importantly, would the Flames be able to take advantage of the enormous break? That question was easier to answer. No. Two quick goals by the Coyotes, first by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and then by Anthony Duclair broke the game wide open and Arizona carried the commanding 3-0 lead into the third.
If you’ve played the NHL video game franchise by EA Sports, you know it’s sometimes advantageous to take penalties when you’re trailing late in the game as it slows the clock down to real time and allows more opportunity to score, albeit shorthanded. Perhaps that’s what the Flames were thinking in the third as penalties on both sides continued to mount. The Flames would tally their first goal midway through the period. Joe Colborne finishing off a centering pass from T.J. Brodie from the side of the crease. But the Coyotes would salt the game away adding another powerplay tally late, Shane Doan becoming the all time Coyotes franchise points leader. 4-1 final.
Three Stars
- Shane Doan: Two goals, one assist, and the all-time leading scorer for the Arizona Coyotes franchise. Impressive to see a guy stick with a franchise for his entire career, tip of the hat to Shane Doan.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson: 3 points, including the game winning goal.
- Eric Furlatt: After whistling the Flames for an impressive nine infractions last night, he upped his game to blow an even 10 on this night. 19 infractions in two nights against the leagues least penalized team headed into Thursday night’s contest. Fantastic. It’s sour grapes to whine about the refs, the Flames did not deserve a victory tonight, but it’s fascinating to watch certain individuals consistently insert themselves into the game.
Big Save
The non save on the first shot was the difference maker here. Hiller did stone Doan on the powerplay which looked at the time to be key in denying yet another milestone moment to happen against the Flames. But a previous goal would be corrected to add an assist to Doan and he would bury his second of the night later anyway.
The Goat
Special teams again. 0/5 on the powerplay. 4/7 on the penalty kill. I adore Martin Gelinas, but if he is in fact in charge of the special teams I don’t see how you possibly retain him. Extremely passive at both ends, and agonizing to watch.
Mr. Clutch
Sam Bennett. I have a theory he’s going to be the local fan favorite down the line. Mainly because he seems to wear his heart on his sleeve. The dangerous hits and penalties have to stop, but you can see how much he dislikes to lose. On a night where frustration level is high for the fans, there’s something comforting in seeing a player get angry, as opposed to another who seems content to pack it in for the day.
Odds and Ends
- Shane Doan’s 3 point night passes Dale Hawerchuk, who held the franchise lead for many years with 929. Doan now sits at 931, and if he plays another season or two might have a shot at 1000.
- The amount of cross crease feeds against the Flames these past two games that either worked, or came close to clicking was astounding. The Flames defensive system seems highly susceptible to it as the defense don’t seem to care to adjust. Flames finally got one of their own tonight with Joe Colborne tapping in Brodie’s cross-crease attempt.
- Gaudreau just doesn’t look as dominant as he was earlier in the season. Is it a case of tiring out? Team’s figuring out how to play him? A lack of confidence? More interest in superbowl parties? My guess is a combination of everything, hopefully not the last suggestion which I included mainly in jest.
- Holy crap is that howl annoying. I almost made a highway trip to take in the game in person. Sure glad I didn’t. The incessant howl would have done me in.
- After a spectacular 8 minutes + shootout in the San Jose game, Jonas Hiller had a forgettable performance tonight. Is Ortio ready for another crack at the crease? I suspect Hiller will have every chance to find his footing here before Hartley pulls the plug on the season.
Next Up
Flames are back home to host the Anaheim Ducks on holiday Monday the 15th — note the early start time– 2 pm Mtn on Sportsnet and Fan960.
Lines (To Start):
Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Jiri Hudler
Sam Bennett – Mikael Backlund – Michael Frolik
Micheal Ferland – Marcus Granlund – Josh Jooris
Brandon Bollig – Matt Stajan – Joe Colborne
Mark Giordano – T.J. Brodie
Kris Russell – Dougie Hamilton
Ladislav Smid – Deryk Engelland
Jonas Hiller
