A 5-3 third-period lead turned into a loss for the Flames, but it was not all bad news
Calgary Flames fans on Team Tank received the perfect game in Monday’s 6-5 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
An exciting game? Check.
Production from the youth? Check.
A regulation-time defeat? Check. Check. Check.
If the Flames organization needs further proof a rebuild/retool — whatever you want to call it — is necessary, the defeat in the Mile High City provided it.
Sure, the Flames put up a fantastic fight, and achieved so much in staking a 5-3 lead after two periods. They even scored first. (As for the Putrid Power Play™… well, if you can’t say anything nice … .)
When the Avalanche kicked their game into overdrive in the final frame, though, the Flames had no answer before being snowed under.
The Avalanche are built around a collection of top-10 picks, notably a first-overall pick in Nathan MacKinnon and a fourth-overall selection in Cale Makar, and we all know he would be chosen even higher if there was a re-do of the 2017 draft.
The highest Flames picks who suited up in Denver were Mikael Backlund and Connor Zary, both 24th overall selections.
Building a team for Stanley Cup success requires a strong foundation. The Flames don’t have one, a product of being in the mushy middle for so long.
Now three more takeaways from Calgary’s fourth loss in five outings:
The defence can’t rest
Chris Tanev will not suit up for Tuesday’s road clash with the Vegas Golden Knights. After being drilled by Ross Colton and going face-first into the glass 15 seconds into the Colorado clash, Tanev went straight to the room and didn’t return.
With his history, don’t be floored if Tanev is OK sooner than later and not on the shelf too long, not only for the club's chances. As well, we all know the gritty blueliner is a very likely valuable trade chip.
Either way, the five others who gave their all in Denver will be in tough against the defending Stanley Cup-champion Golden Knights. They were absolutely gassed when the final buzzer went.
Numbers don’t make sense
For the second straight game, and only the 11th time this season, the Flames scored first, yet lost for the second consecutive game. Their record when scoring first is 4-5-2.
For only the fifth game this season, and first time in 12 outings, the Flames held a lead going into the third period. Their record in that scenario is 3-2-0.
Who knows? Maybe the comeback kids style is the way to go for this squad. Following the game plan should come with better results.
Ch-ch-ch-changes
It says plenty that rookie Connor Zary, who scored his sixth goal in just his 18th game, can be a catalyst for Elias Lindholm elevating his game.
Zary, along with Yegor Sharangovich on the other wing, provide plenty of speed to make Lindholm play at a faster pace, plus skill that can generate offence.
In turn, Andrew Mangiapane was placed with Nazem Kadri and just seem to click. When the struggling Dillon Dube was placed on that line in place of Martin Pospisil, they were even better.