Flames Fall To Predators – Backlund Shines With The “A”

Photo Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

After the stellar win in Carolina, the Flames fizzled against the Nashville Predators.

It took a couple minutes for the Flames to get their skating legs as the first period began, but they quickly got it together and put pressure on the Preds. After a lot of back and forth play, Shea Weber scored the first goal on the powerplay. Lee Stempniak, who has been goal-less since December 7th, broke his 17 game skid to pot one in the first period and tie the score at 1-1 going into intermission.

There were no goals in the second even though the Flames seemed a little slower during the period. Two relatively quick goals in the third by Ryan Ellis and Craig Smith on the powerplay put Nashville up 3-1. Viktor Stalberg put the nail in the coffin with one more goal to make the score 4-1.

Again, when the Flames could have rolled over and played dead, they didn’t. Instead, Mikael Backlund led the way. He stole the puck along the boards and made his way to the Preds net to put the Flames within two goals. But that’s how this story ends, with a score of 4-2 for the Nashville Predators.

All highlights can be found on Flames TV.

My 1 Star

Mikael Backlund. When given the opportunity to shine, he rises up and shows what he’s truly made of. With the “A” on his jersey, and a little more responsibility, Backlund stepped up to the plate and showed his true potential. In the last two games, while being the alternate, Backlund has been a force to reckon with, putting himself in as many plays as possible, scoring goals, and being a leader to a team that desperately needs guidance on the front line.

The Flames next game is against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, January 16th.

Go Flames Go!