Calgary Flames Daily: Ready to Turn Things Around on Home Ice

April 15, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Calgary Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan and the bench react during the 3-2 loss against the Anaheim Ducks in the third period of game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 15, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Calgary Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan and the bench react during the 3-2 loss against the Anaheim Ducks in the third period of game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Happy Monday Calgary Flames fans! Mondays normally suck, but not today because the Flames will play their first playoff game of the season on home ice! Let’s check out some news surrounding this team over the last 24 hours.

The Calgary Flames are currently down 2-0 in their first round series against the Anaheim Ducks. Game 2 was a crucial win for this team. Not only would they tie up the series, but they’d also beat this stinking Honda Center curse. I know, I know, I keep mentioning it. I can’t help it. I’ll stop, I’m sorry.

But the Flames played some well fought out games – especially in game 2. They deserved that win. But a couple of very small mistakes cost them both games. In game 1, it was a bad line change. I mean, they also needed to learn how to remain disciplined, but a big reason for their loss was that line change. And in game 2, it was their discipline again.

Things looked to be going well for the team. But a dumb penalty taken by Dougie Hamilton in the last 5 minutes in a tie game – that cost them. It was a bad, unnecessary holding penalty which the Ducks scored a goal on. And we could all continuously talk about how it shouldn’t have been a penalty or how he was held first, but at the end of the day, he held Corey Perry’s stick and he had to pay for it.

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames /

Calgary Flames

I love Dougie Hamilton, he’s one of my favourite players and he’s a big reason the Flames even made it to the playoffs. But four penalties in two games, in which the Ducks have scored multiple goals on, it’s not good.

Via the Globe and Mail:

“It’s part of the game and you can’t control those calls,” Hamilton said. “You just kind of keep playing through.” Hamilton said with a defeated tone.“We don’t think about that [curse at Honda Center],” Hamilton said. “It’s just a hockey game to us. It’s just an unfortunate outcome – and my responsibility on the penalty. But you just have to stay positive. We can’t quit. We haven’t quit all season. We’re going to come at them hard at home and turn the series around.”

Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your day

Frustrated Calgary Flames head home searching for something to go right (Sportsnet).

Game Day: Calgary Flames vs. Anaheim Ducks, Game 3 (Calgary Herald).

‘We can’t quit’: For Hamilton and the Calgary Flames, a chance to stage a comeback at home (The Globe and Mail).

Hockey fans debate announcer caught slamming Calgary Flames player on hot mic (CBC News).

Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL

St. Louis Blues not surprised by Allen’s star rising in playoffs (Puck Prose).

Former NHL players are more prone to psychiatric disorders than the general public: Study (The Huffington Post).

Wild can’t believe they’re trailing 3-0 (NHL.com).

‘Dart Guy’ becomes online hero for Maple Leafs fans (NHL.com).

Next: Matthew Tkachuk and Ryan Kesler: Mirror, Mirror

That’s all in this edition of Flames Daily! Let’s hope the Flames can start their comeback tonight in front of the C of Red.