The Calgary Flames are playing in their second game of back-to-backs tonight vs. the Anaheim Ducks. At least they won’t have to worry about a curse anymore.
With back-to-backs happening, it was obvious who the Calgary Flames wanted to start in net vs. the Anaheim Ducks tonight and who they wanted to start last night vs. the San Jose Sharks. After the last game at the Honda Centre and Mike Smith had a 43-save shutout, it was no question he’d get the start there.
Not only did he get a shutout, but he also helped the Flames beat a 13-year long curse. The Flames couldn’t get a win to save their lives at the Honda Centre. And then Mike Smith came along and now, the Flames don’t have to worry every time they step foot in there.
And the Flames have some good numbers in their second game of back-to-backs. They’re 4-1-0 in second game of back-to-backs this season and each of those five outcomes had the opposite outcome as the night before. Four Flames players have five points in the second game of back-to-backs this season. Crossing my fingers for tonight. They need the win after the shootout loss last night.
Related Story: The decade long curse of the Honda Center
Via Calgary Sun:
"“If we could have made it 3-1 with the chances we had …” Gulutzan lamented. “The chances were 3-3 in the third … when you’re up 2-1, if you can find that third goal, it will put the other team behind. We just couldn’t find it. Chances were scarce after the first.“That’s what they do — they wrist one from the point and get a deflection.”“I thought we played well enough to win … we just needed to manufacture some extra points when we get to OT,” Gulutzan said. “I thought we had some real good looks in overtime, but we have to find a way to get two. We put ourselves in a position to get two on the road.”"
The Calgary Flames are still on the outside looking in and they need all the points they can get. They’re one of the favourites right now for one of a possible three Canadian teams making the playoffs as that third Canadian team. Let’s hope they don’t lose that.
The game starts at 8pm MT, but don’t worry, there’s some Canada vs. USA World Juniors game happening to keep you busy with some Flames prospects participating!
Some not so pleasant news is Michael Frolik being out with a broken jaw and requiring surgery. The Calgary Flames have yet to say how long it will be as they don’t have an estimate, but for now, he’s week-to-week. I guess that’s a life lesson for everyone: Don’t take a puck to the face from Brent Burns.
Some links surrounding the Flames
Flames Thoughts: Double whammy for Calgary in San Jose (Sportsnet).
Flames lose in shootout to Sharks (Calgary Sun).
Mangiapane shines for Stockton in rare AHL/NHL doubleheader (Calgary Sun).
Game Day: Flames at Ducks (Calgary Sun).
Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Stajan takes top spot for NHL games played by former OHL Bulls (Intelligencer).
Matthews making himself at home on road with Maple Leafs (NHL.com).
Scheifele out 6-8 weeks for Jets with upper-body injury (NHL.com).
Bruins’ climb up standings keyed by balanced scoring attack (NHL.com).
Next: Flames prospects at World Juniors 2018 - Day three
That’s all in today’s Flames Daily!