On October 26th, the Calgary Flames faced a disheartening loss against the St. Louis Blues, with the final score being 3-0 in favor of the Blues. The game, held at the Scotiabank Saddledome, was a testament to the Flames’ struggling performance this season, marking their fourth consecutive loss.
The Game’s Highlights:
- The Flames were met with boos from their own fans, a reaction that the players acknowledged was deserved given their lackluster performance. Elias Lindholm, one of the team’s forwards, candidly remarked, “I would have booed too. We deserved it.”1
- Joel Hofer, the Blues’ goaltender, showcased an impeccable performance, making 27 saves and achieving his first NHL shutout.3
- The Blues’ victory was marked by goals from Kasperi Kapanen, Nick Leddy, and an empty-netter from Oskar Sundqvist.4
- Despite the Flames’ efforts, they couldn’t find the back of the net. Their best chance came early in the game when Andrew Mangiapane attempted a cross-ice shot to Blake Coleman, but Hofer was quick to deny the opportunity.4
The Flames’ Current Struggles:
The Flames’ recent performances have raised concerns among fans and players alike. Having lost four straight games and six out of their last seven, the team’s morale is undoubtedly low. Their recent loss to the New York Rangers further highlighted their scoring issues, with their last goal being recorded 1:15 into the first period of that game.3
Nikita Zadorov, the Flames’ defenseman, expressed his frustration, stating, “Everybody’s sick of losing for sure… Just embarrassing in front of our fans tonight, for sure.”3
The team’s head coach, Ryan Huska, also acknowledged the crowd’s reaction, emphasizing that while mistakes in hockey are inevitable, a lack of effort like the one displayed during the game against the Blues is inexcusable.1
Looking Forward:
While the Flames are currently facing a challenging period, the season is still young, and there’s room for improvement. The team has expressed the need to come together, work harder, and address their ongoing issues, especially in terms of communication and responsibility in the defensive zone.1
Their next big challenge will be the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic against the Edmonton Oilers. It remains to be seen if this outdoor game will provide the Flames with an opportunity to turn their fortunes around.3