Flames’ defence ‘ trying to do too much’
This 2015- 16 season, the National Hockey League introduced enhanced statistics to help define the game and better illustrate what is happening on the ice.
But, right now, the Calgary Flames do not need any combination of numbers to figure out what is wrong with them right now.
The top of their list? Their defensive game.
“At key points in the game, we’re giving up big goals against,” said Flames captain Mark Giordano. “That’s been the problem. Our offence is coming and we’ve been skating well. We just have to eliminate those goals at key times of games.”
On Tuesday in Denver, Matt Duchene scored with 42 seconds left in the first period to give Calgary a 1- 0 deficit heading into the second.
Then, down only 2- 1, Erik Johnson scores a short- handed goal with just under five minutes left in the second to go up 3- 1.
Finally, gaining traction and tying the game 3- 3, the Flames gave up three unanswered goals ( including an empty netter from old friend Jarome Iginla).
“It’s like watching the same soap opera,” said Flames head coach Bob Hartley after going through a morning of meetings at the Scotiabank Saddledome with his players.
“Sometimes just the actors are changing. We’re losing momentum by our fault. Whether it’s bad penalties or turnovers or bad decisions and suddenly, we’re on our heels ... we were not able to get the big first goal but we did lots of good things.” Unfortunately, it’s not enough. Their goals- against average has ballooned to 4.23 ( a total of 55 goals over 13 games), the worst of all 30 teams in the league. It’s also been six straight games that the Flames have surrendered four or more regulation goals ( a total of 28).
Their 22 and 23 goals allowed in second and third periods? Also the worst in the league.
“Sometimes we get guilty of when things aren’t going well and we’re giving up a lot of goals against, we’re trying to do too much,” Giordano said.
“When you do that, especially defensively, it makes it even worse. I think just as players, you have to keep it simple in the D- zone and it’s all about details.”
FLAMES UNPLUGGED
The Flames cancelled their practice on Wednesday and opted to have meetings instead.
After taking a step forward with a 5- 4 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night, they took a few more back on Tuesday with a 6- 3 loss to the Avalanche, so the day of rest was much needed.
It’s a busy few days for the Flames who host the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, and then fly to Florida for a four- game road trip.
“We unplug for today,” Hartley said. "We told the boys, ‘ Be in the gym, go in the medical room and get treatment, do what you need to do.’
“But let’s make sure we unplug and we come back refreshed.”
SUPER SAM
Praise continues to pile up for the efforts of rookie centre Sam Bennett.
After scoring his second goal of the season in Tuesday’s 6- 3 loss to the Avalanche, he now has two goals and four assists in the last four games.
“Sammy had a great game ( Tuesday) night,” Hartley said. “On the offensive side of the puck, I would say he was our best forward. He was skating well. He generated some good chances for us. He was on the puck. And that’s who he is. He’s fearless.
“He’s a competitor and wants to do it the right way.”