JDB

Calgary, AB • Canada • 27 Years Old • Male

Can the Flames Build off their Successful Road Trip?

The Calgary Flames ended their four-game road trip on a high note, beating the Anaheim Ducks 6-0. Despite the score, the Flames didn’t play great by any means, but the fact that the Ducks were terrible helped them out. Still, Anaheim peppered Cam Talbot with 44 shots, all of which he was able to turn aside. Calgary made the most of their chances, despite Anaheim dominating the shot counter from the second period to the end of the game. Luckily things went in Calgary’s favor, as any other team likely would have capitalized on a game like that. Losing the two defensemen best at defending will do that to you. It’s pretty apparent they may need to look for help on the back end, especially for help down the stretch.

Calgary had some lapses on the road trip, but looked solid despite the game in LA. Their offense has come alive all the way from their stars to the bottom six, everyone’s been scoring. They arguably played their best games of the season against both Vancouver and San Jose. It was great to see the Flames back to looking (or mostly) looking like the team from a year ago, that topped the Western Conference. The goals are coming in bunches, everyone’s contributing and the goaltending has been damn good to. If the Flames can keep playing like this while down Hamonic and Giordano, I can only imagine what they could potentially do, once both are back. That won’t be for a while from the sounds of things (especially for Gio) but if the Flames come out like they have, they could n find themselves taking their division. It won’t be easy, but with Edmonton Losing McDavid and Vegas and Arizona struggling, they could very well do it.

Like everything with the Flames, one has to wonder if this was just a flash of what they can do, or if they actually built the foundation for something special. I ripped this team’s heart, and their willingness to win and try not to long ago after their loss to the Predators, a must win game they pissed away. I have to wonder which one of those teams the Flames are now. Are they the team we saw from the road trip? Running wild with offense? Or are they the team from before that would give up the moment something went wrong? We’re getting close to the end of the year and I wouldn’t doubt we’ll see just who this team is shortly.

They have a three game homestand where they take on the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and the mighty Boston Bruins. The Blackhawks are still in the playoff mix, the Ducks are likely angry after being embarrassed in their own building, and the Bruins are just damn good. This will not be an easy homestand, and if the Flames even hold back a little bit, they’re going to feel the heat. Now is the time to go for another winning streak, and separate themselves from the pack. With the way the standings are, anything could happen. Calgary could find themselves at the top of their division, or a team starting their golfing season early.

Thanks for reading!

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to leave a comment.