The Calgary Flames resumed practice yesterday with the only absentees being winger Tyler Pitlick, who is likely still dealing with injury, and goaltender Daniel Vladar. Even bruising winger Brett Ritchie is skating in a full contact jersey.
With time still to get their game polished out, there is a case to be made that the break could end up being beneficial. Fatigue was beginning to show on both the faces of the players as well as in the on-ice product. It may be but a distant memory by now, but the Flames were sputtering to the tune of a four game losing streak before it was announced that six players were entering COVID protocol.
The last game the Flames played was on December 11th.
One can speculate as to who played in that game while affected by potential side effects, but obviously speculation is just speculation— Adding any negative respiratory effect to an already tired team is an easy way to try to justify the below average game several players brought. Markstrom had his first bad game of the season, Backlund had been struggling for a few games at that point — even the nigh unvanquishable first line could be speculated to have had been playing while affected by COVID. For a line that made it 65 days into the schedule before giving up a goal at 5v5, they had their worst night defensively of the season. Gaudreau was a -1 and Tkachuk was a -2.
A Jekyll or Hyde Return to Play The Flames have had a problem returning to play after a break for years now. In 2018, the Flames were on a seven game winning streak, took their bye week then lost six in a row. In 2019, the Flames lost five of six following their week off. This unexpected break may not be ideal.
That said, there is no arguing that the Flames will be much better rested compared to returning after a bye week. They couldn’t travel, they couldn’t go out, there was no emphasis to get the most out of their week off by drinking all week somewhere warm. Chances are solid that the Flames don’t suffer from the same ill-effects as weeks off in the past have garnered.
Then again, you never know for sure. This is Flames hockey we’re talking about. Who isn’t quietly bracing for a swift change from the good times to the bad? We are all familiar with those season turning moments.
Every Flames fan has experienced what some would coin a “Ralph Wiggum Moment…. Brian Elliott starting games three and four despite struggling greatly in games one and two. Tkachuk’s fit of frustration after a pathetic effort against the Leafs. An ominous preseason game where the season starting roster loses to a team of AHL players. Smith taking a minute or two after the play to try to fix his groin.
All of the best horror movies bring the audience into a feeling of relative security before all hell breaks loose. Flames fans from experience have to silently guard themselves in case the 21-22 season includes a turn such as this.
AHL Notes The Heat also have dealt with the postponement of games due to COVID protocol. Their last game being played on the 22nd. Going into the break, here are some interesting notes on the affiliate:
-The team is currently on a four game winning streak. They have won their last six home games.
-2019 26th overall pick Jakob Pelletier leads the AHL in rookie scoring with 27 points. His 10 goals and 17 assists puts him third in the AHL for points. He has a +17 rating over that time, tying him for first along with line mates Matthew Phillips and Glenn Gawdin. Also tied at +17 is former Flames second round pick Tyler Wotherspoon.
-Dustin Wolf is yet to lose in regulation posting a 14-0-2 record to go with a 1.84GAA and .940 save percentage. Those are numbers that will earn him a look sooner rather than later.
-Connor Mackey earned AHL player of the week for November 29th to December 5th. He scored two shorthanded goals and one powerplay goal to go with two assists over seven days.
-Jusso Valimaki is getting his confidence going in a two way role and now has six assists in six games.
-The team is second in league standings and first in their division with an 18-2-2 record. Only losing twice in regulation and four times in total over 22 games is a pleasant surprise for most Flames fans. If the Flames are filling out a taxi squad when they return to play, then there are some clear candidates to practice with the big team and maybe even get a look in NHL regular season action.
Stay warm out there,
Trevor Neufeld