WA-CGY-DeadlinePlans The Calgary Flames (26-20-7) faced a difficult challenge on Tuesday night as the lethal Toronto Maple Leafs visited the Saddledome. Unlike previous meetings with Stanley Cup contenders, the Flames stood their ground. However, the Maple Leafs were at another level, picking up a dominating 6-3 win. For most of the contest, it was close. Still, in the end, there was no denying the highly talented Toronto offensive attack from getting goals, including William Nylander, who recorded his second career hat trick. Is there anything else to discuss from the Flames' latest setback? Of course, so let's begin. WOLF WAS STILL BRILLIANT, BUT THE MAPLE LEAFS HAVE LAYERS TO THEIR ATTACK Dustin Wolf surrendered the game's first goal for the fourth game in a row. However, it was called back on goalie interference as John Tavares batted it in with a high stick. Officially, the Flames scored first, halting Wolf's streak at three games, but without the coach's challenge, it would have been four games in a row. As pointed out, this is uncharacteristic and a significant concern considering how little Calgary scores nightly. After a wild first period, Wolf kept the game close, especially at 2-1 and 2-2 before the wheels came off, and the team self-imploded around him towards the end of the second. Ultimately, Wolf's stat line shows he gave up five goals, only the third time he's given up at least that many in a contest this year. In all seriousness, he's battling through a tough stretch of play, but he's still brilliant every game, which is why the Flames are still in the thick of the wild card race. MISCUES AND MISPLAYS RECIPE FOR DISASTER At one point, Rasmus Andersson shouted at Nazem Kadri, while Jonathan Huberdeau was visibly upset after a goal. Elite teams will do that to opponents, precisely as the Maple Leafs did on Tuesday, hosting a late-game Masterclass on the Flames. Ultimately, Tuesday's game highlighted that Calgary is close to becoming an elite team, but misplays and poor decisions still put them a step behind Stanley Cup contenders. Just like their recent game against the Washington Capitals, which was close for 40 minutes, an error here or there and an ill-timed penalty can lead to a pivotal game-changing moment. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJryd5jZlh4[/embed] Considering how deep Toronto's lineup is, if someone shuts down Auston Matthews, Tavares will find space and make opponents pay. Ultimately, their depth was a significant concern and the main difference in the outcomes of Tuesday's game. They got under the Flames' skin without being physical or playing dirty. They are so good at throwing opponents off their game, and that's the difference between elite teams and everyone else. NEW GUYS FINDING THEIR GROOVE On Sunday, newcomer Morgan Frost tallied his first goal in a Flames sweater. Since his first game, he's been getting many shot attempts and skating on the power play, allowing him to create more opportunities. Although it was only a couple of days, it felt like a long time coming. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLVK7TWYveQ[/embed] Meanwhile, Joel Farabee scored in the first period, only to have his first tally called back on a goalie interference call. Unfortunately, Huberdeau's stick in the skates and pads led to the no-goal, but Farabee managed to tip home a Huberdeau shot in the third for his first official goal in red. It is still too early to determine a winner of the most recent Flames and Flyers trade, but so far, the new guys are doing their part in the lineup and are not the reason for Calgary's last few hiccups. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEyMTg1MzcxNTIwMjgwMTky/thncgynews.png] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNDI4NzY0NzEyNzA3MjMx/thncgybanner-bookmark.png]
