Flames scored first, delivered a fantastic second period but had no answer when the Avalanche's cavalcade of stars elevated their game
The Calgary Flames were on the receiving end of a full-scale Colorado Avalanche in their 6-5 road loss Monday night.
Despite the Flames scoring first and holding a 5-3 lead heading into the third period, Colorado’s high-octane talent took over in the final frame, and benefited from a few defensive mistakes and a couple of lucky bounces.
In the game of inches, the Flames had a golden chance to build on their two-goal edge but Nazem Kadri’s stick broke when he had a golden chance and it went for naught.
Soon after, Josh Manson’s stick broke as he attempted a point shot, and the puck bounded to Ross Colton to convert into an open net and the comeback was on. Mikko Rantanen tied it a couple of minutes later and Nathan McKinnon netted the winner on a breakaway a couple of minutes after that.
On a night Kadri, Andrew Mangiapane, Blake Coleman, Connor Zary and Yegor Sharangovich tallied and chased Colorado starting goalie Alexandar Georgiev, the Flames suffered a disappointing loss, their fourth in five outings.
Dan Vladar’s 31-save effort for Calgary simply wasn’t enough.
Making things worse, the Flames were without blood-and-guts defenceman Chris Tanev after the 15-second mark when he was on the receiving end of a crushing check from Colton.
How long Tanev will be out of action remains to be seen, but that is a tough hit for the Flames, who return to action Tuesday night against the defending Stanley Cup champion-Vegas Golden Knights.
Check back Tuesday morning for the takeaways.