Floundering Flames blow another lead en route to a third consecutive loss

One early goal scored that the Calgary Flames were unable to springboard to an extended lead.

Two power-play goals against, both after penalties caused by offensive zone issues.

It adds up to three consecutive losses for the struggling Flames after Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to the New York Rangers.

Blake Coleman’s goal just 75 seconds into the game gave the Flames exactly what they needed but the team’s inability to extend that lead proved costly, which is a running story already this season.

A couple of minutes after Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin made a clutch stop on Coleman, and on a power play handed because of an offensive-zone penalty on rookie Matt Coronato, the Rangers were off and running.

Second-period power-play goals by Alexis Lafreniere and Chris Kreider, and an Erik Gustafsson rebound marker soon after was the difference as the Rangers handed Calgary its fifth loss in six games.

Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom does not deserve any heat on a night he stopped 17 of 20 shots faced, but the Flames desperately need him to steal a game while his teammates find what offensive ability they do possess.

The Flames have little time to find a solution, too, with the St. Louis Blues in town on Thursday.

They also may be looking at a roster move after Adam Ruzicka was knocked from the game with an apparent arm/shoulder injury after being plowed into the boards by Jimmy Vesey.

For more coverage of the game, visit back Wednesday morning for the takeaways.