For most of the season, the Calgary Flames have been struggling mightily. They have been among the worst franchises in the entire National Hockey League and there was talk that the Flames were in the conversation for the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes (the NHL’s first overall pick).
But wait one moment. All of a sudden the Flames have won three straight games and have outscored their opponents 14-6 in that time. Flames President of Hockey Operations Don Maloney of Lindsay, Ontario has put out a comment that “it’s just too early for us to be throwing in the towel.”
The Flames are still last in the Pacific Division with 19 points, but they are playing much better hockey within the last week. Calgary is getting strong team defense, timely goals and excellent goaltending. As a result, they are only six points back of a playoff spot. Let’s take a look at the three Flames wins.
Flames 6, Sabres 2
Calgary outscored Buffalo 4-0 in the final period last Wednesday in a four goal win over the lowly Sabres. This was not only the best period the Flames have had all season, but the best period the Flames have had in quite some time. The top Flames player was defenseman Rasmus Andersson of Malmo, Sweden. Andersson led the Flames in scoring with three points (one goal and two assists) and was a +2. Ironically, it has been Andersson who has been among the Flames who is rumoured to be traded the most, and his stock increased from his performance in New York state. The Flames also got superb goaltending from Devin Cooley of Los Gatos, California, who mace 28 saves on 30 shots for a strong save percentage of .933.
Flames 3, Stars 2
The Flames came up with a key upset win over the Dallas Stars in a 3-2 shootout victory. Once again Cooley was excellent as the Flames backup goalie made 28 saves on 30 shots. The Flames had a strong start as they got power-play goals from Matthew Coronato of Greenlawn, New York and Joel Farabee of Syracuse, New York. Meanwhile, Nazem Kadri of London, Ontario, who is also involved in NHL trade rumours, had two assists. In the shootout, Kadri scored the winner.
Flames 5, Canucks 2
Calgary had a dominant 5-2 win over Vancouver, in an impressive road win where they had a four goal lead again. The Flames star in this one from an offensive and defensive perspective was Andersson, who had three assists and was a +4.
Update: Andersson was so strong this week, he was the NHL First Star of the Week.
