Calgary Flames: Where They Would Be If Special Teams Were Better

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Nov 18, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) celebrates his game winning goal in the third period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Blackhawks won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /

CGY vs CHI NOV. 18

This game. It’s been almost a week and I’m still bitter about this game. The Calgary Flames lost 3-2 to the Chicago Blackhawks on November 18. Blackhawks veteran Marian Hossa gets a late game goal with only 2:23 left in the game that put them up 3-2. Now, many argue that that goal shouldn’t have been counted because there was a high stick and some interference with the goaltender, but the Flames had already used up their timeout and they couldn’t challenge the goal. That’s a whole other story and I’ll just cry if I continue to talk about it so read this if you’d like to know more about that frustrating late goal:

However, the point isn’t about that particular goal. It’s about what could have happened if their special teams were just a little bit better. The Blackhawks went 1/1 on the power play and the Flames were 0/5. If the Flames had managed to kill off the one time they were shorthanded, they could have had this game. Or if they managed to, you know, score on just one of the five times they had the man advantage, against the worst penalty killing team in the NHL might I add, they also would have had this game. That would have turned this game around and who’s to say if Hossa would have had that late chance. Or if Flames didn’t take that timeout if they were leading and they could have challenged that goal if Hossa still managed to get that chance.

There are way too many what-ifs that my brain hurts. But like I said, if their special teams were even just slightly better, That’s an extra two points for Calgary and two points less for Chicago.

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