Calgary's win over the Canucks the emotional boost they have lacked all season
Could Friday’s comeback victory for the Calgary Flames — their first of the season when trailing after two periods — mean more than simply two points in the standings?
The celebration after beating the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 in overtime was one of a team that had found something that had been lacking most of the season.
For much of the campaign, the Flames have looked very much like a collection of players but not a team. Winning an emotional game at such a critical juncture is exactly the kind of result that unites a crew.
When the Flames play host to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, it is an opportunity to build on that victory, both in the standings and also in the dressing room.
The Flames, who sit two points behind the Winnipeg Jets in the chase for the Western Conference’s final wild-card playoff spot, go into the Ducks clash with the opportunity to avenge a humbling 3-1 loss to Anaheim a few weeks ago.
It is also an opportunity to run their winning streak to a season-best four games, against an Anaheim team that has lost seven straight games — all in regulation time.
For almost all of the season, the Flames — who have six games remaining in the campaign — have been searching for an extra jolt to elevate their play.
That win in Vancouver may very well be the buried treasure they have been on a quest to find.
Here are three keys to watch when the puck drops:
WEEGAR FINDING HIS WAY: MacKenzie Weegar was coming off a career season when the Flames acquired the defenseman last summer, and he will not replicate a 44-point campaign. However, as the season has ramped up, Weegar has definitely found a higher gear. In his last eight games, Weegar has collected nine points (three goals, six assists).
HUBERDEAU AND KADRI EARNING MORE: When the puck dropped for overtime in the Vancouver game, Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri were the two forwards on the ice. Considering their struggles and how their roles were reduced at times, it was noteworthy. Both of them played more than 20 minutes in the game, and deservedly were noted by coach Darryl Sutter.
DUCKS WOES: Not only will the Ducks be without forward Troy Terry, but number-one goaltender John Gibson suffered a lower-body injury in the third period of Saturday’s 6-0 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Lukas Dostal will likely be in net for Anaheim.