Calgary Flames Daily: It’s going to be a tough hill to climb

After back-to-back losses vs. the Pacific Division and being on a three-game losing streak, the Calgary Flames have a tough hill to climb.

The Calgary Flames have put themselves in an non-ideal situation. Losing three games in a row, including two important games vs. Pacific Division opponents who are right there with you, the Flames have a tough hill to climb.

Last night was a disappointing game. After going the majority of December outperforming their opponents but not getting rewards, that wasn’t exactly the same story the last three games. They were completely outplayed vs. the Montreal Canadiens before the Christmas break. They weren’t completely outplayed vs. the San Jose Sharks, but they weren’t as good as they should have been.

Against the Anaheim Ducks last night, it’s a little hard to win hockey games when you get outshot 20-5 in the first period alone. And then not even get a shot on goal in the third period until the 14 minute mark when you’re down a goal. Mike Smith was easily the best player for the Flames last night, and while he got that penalty that resulted in the game-winning goal for the Ducks, he saved them in other areas last night.

Related Story: Flames lose back-to-back games vs. Pacific Division

Via Sportsnet:

"“We weren’t ready to complete in a hard game and that’s a step our team needs to take,” Flames coach Glen Gulutzan said.“I thought we won the second, that’s for sure. It wasn’t the start we were looking for by any means. I think we were tentative, nervous, I don’t know what the word is for it but we weren’t doing anything well in the first,” Smith said. “I thought we responded well in the second, got a big goal there. It was a tight game.”"

I mean.. at least the Flames had a good second period?

Via Calgary Flames:

"“I think we were intimidated in the first,” said Gulutzan. “Until we got our feet under us in the second we weren’t ready to compete in a hard game.“We had a great second period but this isn’t a let’s-play-one-in-three league.“Its the same old story: If we’re not going to win the speciality teams, we’re not going to go far. Every night if we’re leaking a powerplay goal or our powerplay doesn’t score at an opportune time …“Just check the numbers. If you don’t win the specialty-teams game, you’re not going anywhere. Until that straightens out, until we get more confidence or whatever it is under our belt …“It’s a lack of execution. We had a powerplay with minutes left. We need to generate and we didn’t.”"

I don’t even want to check the standings right now, so I’ll let you all do that if you want to suffer today.

Some links surrounding the Flames

Ducks promise of brawn prevailed in 2-1 win over Flames (Calgary Sun).

Rakell scores in 4th straight contest as Ducks edge Flames (Sportsnet).

How the Flames can win the Stanley Cup (The Hockey Writers).

Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL

Glass sparkles for Blackhawks in League debut (NHL.com).

As the Winter Classic turns 10, here’s why we’re still watching (ESPN).

Jeff Glass finally joins his famous 2005 WJC teammates in the NHL (Sportsnet).

NHL won’t talk about future Olympics until after Pyeongchang is done (CBC Sports).

Next: Flames prospects at World Juniors - Day four

That’s all in today’s Flames Daily! Stay warm if you’re in Calgary.