Calgary drops a 3-1 clash to the Columbus Blue Jackets and has just one win in four games on this trip
Another game against a team that likely will not be within shouting distance of a playoff spot and another defeat for the Calgary Flames.
Despite outshooting the Blue Jackets by a 37-29 margin, the Flames delivered a less-than-full performance en route to their 3-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday.
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom certainly did his job — including an incredible sprawling glove save on Adam Fantilli to deny the rookie his first NHL goal — but his teammates offered too little support at the other end.
Columbus goalie Spencer Martin was full marks while earning his first victory since December, but the Flames were lacking in their offensive attack.
There were too many one-and-done chances, too many shots that were blocked or fired wide and too little determination to earn second chances. The Flames are not the most offensively gifted team, but should have better execution.
The fact the first two Columbus goals came from the fourth-line is more indicting. The game-winner was scored against Calgary’s top line, which was caught running around the defensive zone.
Top-line center Elias Lindholm earned a small bit of redemption with his shorthanded breakaway goal a couple of minutes later, but it was too little and too late for a Flames team that has just one win in four games so far on this road trip.
Calgary (2-2-1) ends this trip against a Detroit Red Wings team that has started the season with a 3-1 record and scored 19 goals in those outings.
Between now and puck drop, Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson will also hear from the league regarding his high check to Patrik Laine in the dying seconds.
For more coverage of the game, visit back Saturday morning for the takeaways.
