3 reasons the Calgary Flames lost their series vs the Edmonton Oilers
No. 3: The Calgary Flames couldn’t hold a lead to save their playoff lives.
During the regular season, the Flames were great at holding leads. They usually scored first and never let their opponents back into games. However, this series was the exact opposite.
In Game 1 Calgary blew multiple leads including a four-goal lead in the second period.
In Game 2, they held a 3-1 lead until Edmonton stormed back with four straight goals.
In Game 4, the Flames came back to tie the Oilers midway through the third period on defenceman Rasmus Andersson’s 130-foot shot. It almost brought hope to Calgary, but the Oilers would take the lead in the dying minutes.
Finally Game 5. It’ll be the most talked-about ending to a series this playoffs. However, despite the no-goal, Calgary still couldn’t hold a lead. They took a 2-0 lead until Edmonton scored three straight. Then Calgary took a lead thanks to forward Calle Jarnkrok’s first goal since being traded. And of course, you know how it ended.
Head coach Darryl Sutter talked about not getting the big goal when games were tied in the third period:
"Keep your chin up, keep your chest out and walk out proud."#Flames head coach Darryl Sutter looks back on Game 5. pic.twitter.com/i4Y8yIBZSh
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) May 27, 2022
This leads to the second reason Calgary lost this series.