Montreal Canadiens Break Calgary Flames Win Streak

Photo Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

We knew it had to happen eventually – the Calgary Flames lost to the Montreal Canadiens after a five-game win streak at home.

The first period was relatively eventless with a lot of back and forth play in both ends. The Flames came out tough and gritty to start and it continued into the second period. The goalies took it all in stride and kept their teams in it for a full 20 minute period.

The second saw the Flames only good chance on net when Lee Stempniak tried to bury the puck. The goal went under review because it was called no goal on the ice. None of the replays could show that the puck went completely over the goal line, therefore, the call on the ice stood and Calgary was still scoreless.

The nail in the coffin was when Mike Cammalleri took a hooking penalty with 31 seconds left in the game. It was a weak call, in my opinion, but the Flames dealt with it as well as they possibly could. Time ticked down and an empty-netter solidified the win for Montreal.

The effort was there, the Flames looked cohesive and worked well as a team. Shots on net were relatively even throughout the entire game, but in the end, they were in favor of the Canadiens. Reto Berra saved 25 of 26 shots and ended up with a save percentage of .962 in this match-up.

Carey Price, who looked a little unsure in the beginning of the game, quickly found his focus and didn’t let any shots squeak past him, earning a shutout. It was Rene Bourque, former Calgary Flames player, who got the first goal of the game in the second period. With an empty-net goal by David Desharnais, Montreal went on to win this one with a score of 2-0.

The Flames have two more games before the Olympic break. Thursday, February 6th, they visit the New York Islanders and Saturday, February 8th, they will take on the Philadelphia Flyers. Their next game isn’t scheduled until February 27th, when they take on the L.A. Kings at home in the Saddledome.

Go Flames Go!