Calgary Flames: Ducks Extinguish Flames Comeback
Logan Shaw‘s Game Winning Goal helped fuel the Anaheim Ducks to defeat the Calgary Flames 4-3 in the final regular season home game for the Flames.
Logan Shaw scored his third goal of the season at a critical time for the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night. It gave the Ducks a 4-3 lead with a little over three minutes remaining in the game, resulting in a Ducks victory. But the effort from the Calgary Flames was not to be denied, as they battled back to keep this game one that would not disappoint the faithful on fan appreciation night.
No Quit In The Flames
Despite being down 2-0 after the first period, Kris Versteeg added two power play goals to help tie the game up at 2-2. This was critical in getting the Flames back into the game, as the Flames made a strong push back after a lackluster opening period. Not to mention the efforts of Brian Elliott as well, making critical saves to keep it a tie game through much of the period. Anaheim did take the lead again before the end of the second period, but the Flames would not go away.
Michael Frolik tied the game up midway through the third, fighting and clawing back into the hockey game once again. The matchup stayed pretty even before the game winning goal was scored by the Anaheim Ducks. Despite trailing at times during the game, the effort could not be faulted by the Flames.
Slow Start Proved Costly
The Flames came out rather flat for their final home game of the regular season it seemed like. The lack of energy was evident, as well as a lack for urgency. An early penalty by Dougie Hamilton led to the opening goal by Patrick Eaves on the ensuing power play. The second goal seemed to be a more innocent shot just outside the right face-off circle, with Hamilton placing a slight screen Brian Elliott it appeared. Slow start put the Flames behind the 8-Ball tonight, and it would end up costing them.
Michael Ferland Getting Scrappy At The Right Time
When Michael Ferland burst onto the scene back in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he instantly grabbed the attention of the opposition by playing a strong, physical brand of hockey. While at times that element of his game can appear to be missing, he certainly is finding that gritty play with the playoffs right around the corner. He has been a much more effective player on the top line, and it is showing in his play. He got into a spirited fight with Ducks forward Nate Thompson during the second period. It was a ten round bout and it set the tone for the rest of a physical game.
The key in all this is Michael Ferland is finding his grit and that edge right now. His playing style led him to him becoming a fan favorite back in 2015. While it hasn’t truly left his game, it is becoming more and more noticeable with the playoffs right around the corner.
Keep The Heads Held High Boys
While the first twenty minutes was some of the worst hockey in recent memory, the effort was not lost by the Flames. They fought hard, pushed back and made this a hockey game. While the game was relatively an even matchup, the Flames still found a way to chip back into the game. Kris Versteeg had an outstanding game, earning first star of the game. Mark Giordano kept showing at the end of the game that he was the Flames best defenseman on the evening. He was driving the play consistently throughout the final two periods, making the most of every shift.
Overall, a tough loss for a team who is fighting for positioning amongst the division. With the final three games ahead of the team, the road to the playoffs will be just as difficult as it was to clinch a spot in those playoffs. The effort was there, but the result wasn’t.
The two teams will match up again for the final time in the regular season on Tuesday in Anaheim. The Flames will look to snap their lengthy losing streak at Honda Center, which dates back to January of 2004.
Next: Flames Torch Sharks 5-2, Flames Clinch Playoff Spot
Wouldn’t be a shot of confidence for the leagues hottest team if they can end that steak on Tuesday? Certainly would help.