Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Flames Held Goalless Against Ducks....Take on the LA Kings

March 9, 2013, 10:31 AM ET [51 Comments]
Colin Dambrauskas
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me on Twitter!: @ColinDJD

As expected by most, the Calgary Flames lost to the hot Anaheim Ducks last night in a 4 zip match. The Flames managed to outshout the Ducks in the first period 12-4 and stay right with them in that department for the two remaining periods, though their chances were just not enough.

Despite playing a strong statistical game, the Anaheim Ducks were just too strong a competitor for the Flames as they gave up no power play goals, won more faceoffs and ended the night with more hits. The team simply didn’t have the same level of confidence as their opponent, and consequently couldn’t bury the puck in the back of the net against a streaking Vasth who is 10-1-1. Newly signed Getzlaf was able to muster up a goal of his own, in addition to an apple for the night giving him a two point game.

One positive from last night`s loss, is that both Edmonton and Minnesota, two teams who were next to Calgary in the standings, also lost. The Oilers have now been moved down 14th place and tied for 28th overall. The Flames will take on the LA Kings tonight, another strong competitor and an important game for Calgary as they attempt to climb up the standings. The Kings have a strong home record of 7-2-1 in their last ten, while the Flames hold a road record of 3-4-2.

In order to walk away with two points against the Kings, the Flames will need to play a similar game to last night. While they were not able to pot any goals and ultimately lost the game, the opportunities were there. A hot team and goalie will simply find ways to keep the puck out of the back of their net, and conversely put it in the back of yours. The Kings, although a strong team, shouldn’t be as tough as a challenge as the Ducks were. And I say this, though even the Kings are 7-3-0 in their last ten...so it`s not going to be an easy two games for the Flames.

Backlund says he feels great and is expected in the lineup for tonight`s game. The team could certainly use an extra surge of offense, especially after going goalless against the Ducks. Given that Backlund hasn’t played in a few weeks, he will likely get limited ice time as Hartley weans him back into the lineup. I would expect him to center the 3rd line to get things going and slowly move up if his game progresses nicely. The added offense Mikael brings should help his team throughout the remaining games, as they fight for the playoffs.

The Flames continue to show inconsistencies throughout their games and continue to find themselves on the downside looking up. They will need to find their groove very soon and start pushing for more wins, thus playing above .500 level hockey. Karri Ramo has recently been named KHL goaltender of the week for his tremendous play during the playoffs. He is doing quite well and will be a big asset for the Flames upon his return.

That`s all for today folks, thanks for reading!

Make sure to check out MUCHmoreDeals for great prices on hockey tickets or other venues across North America, and much more!

Join the Discussion: » 51 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Colin Dambrauskas
» My Final Blog - Calgary Flames 2014-15 Season
» Farewell, Hockeybuzz; Flames vs Ducks, Game 4!
» Playing Little Spoon to Andersen's Big Spoon
» David vs Goliath Series? Flames Still In It...
» Flames Taking Early Beat Down; Should We Count Them Out!?