They’ve basically been out for almost two weeks, but the Calgary Flames are now officially mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in their loss to the LA Kings.
It’s been a few weeks in the works, but the Calgary Flames are now officially eliminated from playoff contention. In their 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, they’ve now lost their last six games. We also saw some very different lineups tonight with the injuries to some of their top forwards and Johnny Gaudreau needed to go home due to a family emergency.
With all these injuries, it’s probably a good thing the Flames won’t be making the playoffs.
While the Flames were finally outshot tonight for the first time in 11 games, they were still hitting quite a bit and badly outhit the Kings. Let’s see how the Flames got here tonight.
First period
Calgary Flames
The first period started with a big hit on Drew Doughty from Sam Bennett. Doing Matthew Tkachuk‘s work as he’s out of the lineup I guess. The first good chance came about 4 and a half minutes into the game from the Kings and Mike Smith had to be sharp.
A little past the seven-minute mark, the Kings went on the PP. The Kings kept the puck in the zone and Jeff Carter had a great chance but Smith came over and robbed him. The Kings didn’t get another good scoring opportunity the rest of the PP. They had three shots on that PP.
This period ended 0-0 with the Kings outshooting the Calgary Flames 8-7.
Second period
Well, it seemed like the Calgary Flames came out with a good amount of energy to start the second period, but the shots say otherwise. Sam Bennett took another penalty and the Kings capitalized on it basically right away. Dion Phaneuf shot it from the point and while it seemed like Tyler Toffoli tipped it in, Phaneuf was credited with the goal. 1-0 Kings about four minutes in. If this game was played at the Dome, everyone would be booing Phaneuf at this point.
This game was quite heated and lots of hitting and scrums from both teams. Right before the midway mark of the period, the Flames finally got a powerplay. Due to another scrum. But three of their five top PP unit players are out of this game so… this will be interesting.
The Flames PP only lasted a minute because Bennett, yet again, took another penalty. And again, due to a Sam Bennett penalty, the Kings capitalized. 2-0 Kings a little past the midway mark of the second period.
The Flames PK has been quite good lately but that’s two PPG’s against in one period.. yikes.
This period ended 2-0 for the Kings with them outshooting the Flames 11-8. Let’s head to the final frame.
Third period
I’m going to be completely honest, I stopped paying attention/caring at this point. The Calgary Flames took another penalty which caused another powerplay goal against. The Flames also got a powerplay which they couldn’t capitalize on and the Kings got a shorthanded chance.
There was, again, lots of hitting in this period. It doesn’t seem like these two teams like each other very much.
This game ended 3-0 for the Kings with Jonathan Quick recording his fourth career shutout against the Flames. Maybe he actually likes playing against this team. Who knows.
The Flames were finally outshot 29-23. Despite the score, the Flames actually had a decent third period, but they came up short for the sixth straight game. No more playoffs for the Flames. I mean, we sort of knew this already, but now it’s official.
Next: Flames Daily - Rittich sent down, Gillies recalled
At least we’ve got World Championships in May.