It wasn’t for lack of trying, but the Calgary Flames lost a third straight game last night, falling 6-4 to the opportunistic St. Louis Blues.
It’s a concerning time of year to go on a slump, but can we consider Calgary’s latest slide a full-blown slump?
Last night marked the first time since mid-January and second time this season Calgary has lost three in a row.
But in contrast to the first three-game skid, in which the Flames were on an extended road trip, Calgary has suffered three straight losses on home ice, the first time that has happened all season.
Here’s a few takeaways that determine whether the Flames are embroiled in a full-blown slump.
3. Flames fell to 1-12-2 when trailing after two periods
It’s a gruesome stat that should come with a disclaimer. Calgary’s woeful 1-12-2 record reinforces the importance of not trailing going into the third period.
While the Flames didn’t deserve to be trailing after two in last night’s 6-4 defeat, they didn’t do enough to turn it around in the third. A spirited opening 10 minutes of the third earned the home team a deserved equalizer. But it wasn’t enough to earn at least a point.
2. Flames defensive lapses
Unfortunately defensive lapses and impatient puck chasing cost the Flames dearly with less than two minutes remaining.
The Blues were outshot 43-25, but that disparity doesn’t tell the entire tale. The Blues had an abundance of excellent scoring chances, many of which were thwarted by Jacob Markstrom.
Calgary’s D-Zone coverage fell way below Darryl Sutter’s expectations and although the Flames didn’t deserve to lose, there were discernible worrying signs for the home team.
The Flames top line is unplayable when they’re at their best. Even when things aren’t clicking, it’s a trio nearly impossible to contain.
For all their bewildering offensive stats, Sutter will be most proud of his top line’s ability to defend well as a collective. However, that was simply not the case last night. Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk were at fault for St. Louis’ third goal and were subpar in their own end all evening. Johnny Hockey coughed up the biscuit in his own end, which eventually ended up with Justin Faulk scoring his ninth goal of the season.
It will be something Sutter will address, particularly with the playoffs beckoning.
1. Flames fell to 9-12-4 after conceding the first goal
Calgary has scored the first goal 43 times this season, the most of any team in the NHL, and are almost unstoppable when going ahead early.
After falling to 9-12-4, the same cannot be said when the Flames concede first. Akin to going into the third trailing, conceding the first goal has caused Calgary untold torment. Most NHL teams struggle in this category, underlining the importance of not allowing the opener.
If the Flames are to enjoy a long playoff run, they’ll need to get back to what they do best: score first, ensure they’re not trailing going into the third and avoid one-goal contests.
Not a lot to ask for going into the most competitive period of the season, right?
Back to the original question: Are the Flames embroiled in a full-fledged slump?
Based on the fact Calgary is a single loss away from levelling their longest losing skid of the season, I’d say yes, they are indeed slumping.
On the positive side of things, you know it’s an excellent season when a three-game losing streak is considered a slump. While concerning, the current mini-slump isn’t something to lose sleep over, yet anyway.