Recap: Calgary Flames (1) vs Dallas Stars (2): Scoring Issues Plague Flames

1st Period: Calgary Flames 0, Dallas Stars 0

I don’t really know what to say about that opening period because not a whole lot happened. It was a pretty slow period, the Flames had some chances, Dallas had some chances but nothing outstanding. Calgary had a late powerplay but was unable to get any great chances.

2nd Period: Calgary Flames 1, Dallas Stars 1

Dallas would come out firing early in the second period but Mike Smith would stand tall against some good opportunities. Dallas would also get a powerplay but be stopped by the Flames which was huge.

Calgary would take a 1-0 lead with the Flames breaking out of their own zone and Micheal Ferland poking the puck up to Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau would bust in and beat Kari Lethonen over the shoulder with a wicked shot for his second goal of the year.

Dallas would be gifted a second powerplay opportunity on a blatantly terrible call. Travis Hamonic would go off for slashing a Star after he was originally slammed to the ice behind the play by another Star. Of course Dallas would take advantage on the powerplay with Esa Lindell throwing a long point through a crowd and past Smith.

3rd Period: Calgary Flames 1, Dallas Stars 2

Things would start out much the same way in the third period with teams exchanging chances and both goaltenders standing tall. Dallas would get their third powerplay of the night when a matchup with the 4th line against Dallas’ top line would lead to Matt Stajan taking a holding call.

Of course Dallas would score on their powerplay with Alex Radulov beating Mike Smith on the glove side. Calgary would push late but time would expire and Calgary loses again.

Final Thoughts

The most frustrating part about this team is that they aren’t really a bad team. At even strength they’ve been with every team in each of their last five games, but were killed by special teams. The most frustrating thing is that they’ve shown no ability to adapt. Einstein defines insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

That was on display tonight as again the Flames rolled out a stagnant powerplay with Troy Brouwer and again couldn’t generate anything. They also rolled out a passive penalty kill unit and for the third straight game allowed two goals against (which were Dallas’ only goals). Again, if this team was straight up bad, I’d be okay, but they have a lot of talent but haven’t made any adjustments, and continuing to fail is unacceptable.

Flame of the Game

Mike Smith (G): I really didn’t know who to give this to because nobody was really outstanding tonight. Smith made some big saves and did pretty much everything he could. He didn’t allow any softies so I was happy with his play.

Next Up: Washington Capitals at Calgary Flames Sunday at 7:00pm

by Michael MacGillivray