POST GAME: Anaheim.

The Universe is rapidly expanding. This seemed as though it was impossible decades ago but it is now accepted as scientific fact. There is a force pushing the universe towards an unknown infinity but scientists do not quite understand the exact properties of this force pushing galaxies apart. This energy, or dark matter as it is often called, accounts for over 68% of the total energy in the observable universe but we really don’t understand it. 

Furthermore, it’s unclear why it is that there is precisely the amount of dark matter present in the universe to allow matter to form, rather than be pulled away from itself in a vast empty space. The precise ratio of dark matter to ordinary matter is what keeps our universe stable. It’s a cosmological standard that can be depended on no matter what the calculation, anywhere in the universe. There might be no principle more certain, more repeatable in all of physical cosmology.  

Oh, except for the Flames losing in Anaheim.   

Sometimes the Flames have poor starts, sometimes the Flames get scored on, sometimes it’s tempting to turn the game off. But, sometimes, you get to witness something bigger than just you and me. It’s supernatural. It transcends logic, hockey, or strategy. The Flames cannot win in Anaheim. It doesn’t matter who the heck is playing, you’re not listening to me. It can’t  happen. 

Revel in this! It’s one of life’s few certainties! Drink it in, it’s okay. 

In the first, Rep. Peter Russo played good, an angry turtle scored some goals, Jonas Hiller was more of a suggestion of a goalie than an actual goalie, and blah blah blah you know how this all goes. The Ducks scored a bunch and the Flames looked as though it was their first experience with frozen water. 

Fun Fact: The last time the Flames won in Anaheim, your great-great grandparents were still privateers, raiding vessels in the Caribbean Sea? It’s true. I checked the media guide.

In the second, the Ducks scored immediately. Like, instantly. Like while you were still trying to see what else was on TV soon.  About the same time, Oliver Kylington scored for Stockton. That’s a good thing! Think about that. Don’t dwell on this game. 

The Flames couldn’t get a save, hit some posts (three in the second period alone), took some penalties and this one was over really quick. Here is a sampling of what you all thought on twitter (the ones that weren’t profanity laced):

Ouch…that last one stung HTP. The Ducks scored again to make it 19-0… I think. Jamie McGinn. I hate the Anaheim P.A announcer with a burning, firey passion. How many different times have I watched this very same game?!

On a serious note, John Gibson was injured with 11:30 left in the second period following a collision with Hampus Lindholm. That is a tough pill to swallow for the Ducks given how in control of the game they were. Losing a goalie sucks and I hope it isn’t serious for John Gibson. (UPDATE: he’s fine).

Then, something great happened. Hunter Shinkaruk scored his first career NHL goal on a power play 14 minutes into the second period. A nice power-play re-direction off of a Mark Giordano point shot got Shinkaruk his first ever tally and continued his two game point streak. Shinkaruk has played two pretty good games since being called up, he has been a lot feistier than was expected. Here’s a look at his tip tonight:

But! Because life is an endless parade of misery! Nate Thompson scored 19 seconds later to re-establish a five goal lead. No! Wait! What?! Mark Giordano scored his 20th of the year (!) which is a legitimately cool thing. The last Flames defender to do this was Ottawa Senator legend, Dion Phaneuf. 

Then, the worst possible scorer scored. Ryan Kesler put the Ducks ahead by five again late in the second. Why him?! Why Flames?  But wait, the weirdest/worst game continued to be even weirder! T.J Brodie scored as well. I can’t even explain that second period. seven goals. The period ended with the score at 7-3 and somehow it didn’t feel so painful. It seemed … funny? Is that the word? I’m not sure. Perhaps I, like all of you I am sure, am simply numb to losing in Anaheim. 

The Flames started the third period pretty well but the Ducks needed to ensure that it would still take two three-pointers to beat them. Jamie McGinn’s second of the night made it 8-3. Mercifully, that was it. Flames lose.

Ya gotta go with Jeff Shantz here, no question. 

Yes, Giordano reached 20 and Hunter Shinkaruk scored his first NHL goal, but there’s no question it’s Shantz. Sorry Hunter. 

Positives from tonight:

Not to worry, the Flames are back at it tomorrow night in Los Angeles.