Flames Fall To Blackhawks, Hope To End Losing Skid At Home Tonight

Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Flames were on a four-game losing skid going into the game against the Chicago Blackhawks and this road trip has not been good to the Calgary team.

The Flames came on strong with Johnny Gaudreau’s quick hands, patience, and smart plays in the Hawks end. Most of the first period pressure was put on by Gaudreau, Josh Jooris, and Sean Monahan.

Jiri Hudler put up a good fight against the Hawks who put a lot more pressure on the visiting team. T.J. Brodie was in good form again as he is always a consistent blue-liner, never faltering, and always in the right place at the right time. And just when it seemed futile, Gaudreau made a beautiful pass to Jiri Hudler who found the back of the net and the Flames were back in the game with a 1-0 score. Jonas Hiller was solid in net throughout the first two periods. Before the end of the second, Patrick Sharp would tie the game at one heading into intermission.

The Flames demise happened in the third period. After so many weeks of the Flames owning third periods, that night in Chicago, it was not meant to be. They started off rough and eventually shook it off, but not soon enough. There was a complete breakdown of almost all the offensive lines. Gaudreau’s one mistake of the night cost them a goal. Curtis Glencross looked confused and disoriented. It wasn’t the best third period of hockey I’ve seen from the Flames, but it was destine to happen eventually. Final score, 2-1 for Chicago.

The Flames take on the New York Rangers tonight back at the Saddledome and because of such a harsh road trip, I’m hoping they can get back into their winning groove again now that they’re home.

Go Flames Go!