Happy Wednesday Calgary Flames fans! It’s a nice day out in Calgary even though the Flames are on a two-game losing streak. Let’s check out some news surrounding this team over the last day.
The Calgary Flames are dealing with two consecutive losses – both to a division rival. The Flames lost their second game in a row to the Anaheim Ducks and failed to break the Honda Center Curse before the playoffs start. This was an absolute win for the team, especially since a very real potential playoff scenario for the Flames is facing the Ducks in the first round.
With that loss, the Flames won’t be able to lock in a Pacific Division spot. They’ll be in a Wildcard spot which means they’ll either face the Chicago Blackhawks or whoever ends up first in the Pacific Division. Which also means the Flames won’t get home-ice advantage in the first round, or maybe at all, depending on how far the Flames go.
Via Calgaryflames.com:
"“I think there’s lots of things to build on if this is our opponent come playoff time,” Calgary coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I wasn’t unhappy with the game, I like the way we stuck together in the third. We didn’t get the win, but there are positive things from this game we’ll take.”"
For more post-game loss things (boo), go here.
Now on to other (sad) things, the NHL announced on Monday that they will not be going to the 2018 winter Olympics. Some Flames players had comments about this and are generally not happy with this decision. I mean, there are no Flames pulling an Alex Ovechkin and saying they’re going anyways, but they’ve expressed their opinions.
Via Calgary Herald:
"“You have a chance to meet the other athletes and sit with them, and that was cool. And just the experience and the atmosphere there was great,” the 29-year-old Michael Frolik said, reminiscing about the opportunity to compete at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. “As a little kid, we won gold in Nagano and I know how big it was at home, so always Olympics were really special.”“It was a little bit of a surprise for me. I thought they were going to make a deal,” Frolik said prior to Tuesday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. “It’s a little disappointing. I’ve been lucky to play Olympics once, so at least I have that under my belt. But going for a second time, to have that chance would be nice.“But we’ll see. It’s not in my hands. I can’t do anything about it.”"
#Flames Gaudreau on NHL's no-go to 2018 Olympics: "It's a little disappointing ... As a kid, you’ve always wanted to play in the Olympics."
— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) April 4, 2017
First, the NHL doesn’t allow Johnny Gaudreau to light his stick on fire at the All-Star game and now this? When will the oppression end.
Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your day
Insane, fight-filled 3rd period overshadows Flames loss to Ducks (CBC Sports).
Plans in place to keep Red Mile safe as Calgary Flames make playoff run, police say (CBC News).
Oilers Playoff Potential: Calgary Flames (The Hockey Writers).
‘It kind of sucks’: Flames players not pleased with NHL’s no-go on 2018 Olympics (Calgary Herald).
Other links surrounding hockey and the NHL
NHL says Olympics are out – but is the latest move just a ‘time out’ on talks? (CBC News).
Gary Bettman: NHL ‘not looking to negotiate’ on Olympics (Sportsnet).
With no NHL, who will play for Team Canada at the 2018 Olympics? (Global News).
Rogers relishing glut of Canadian NHL teams headed to playoffs (The Spec).
Next: Five reasons the Flames made it to the playoffs
That’s all in this edition of Flames Daily! Thanks for tuning in!