Post-Game: Flames can’t get past Ducks

The Calgary Flames scratched seven regulars for their Wednesday night game in Anaheim against the Ducks. They generally looked a bit disinterested and disjointed, and they lost a 3-1 game at the Honda Center.

The Ducks took the lead early off some rough defensive play from the Flames. Oliver Kylington coughed the puck up a couple times. On the second turnover, the Ducks made a few nice passes that led to Sam Steel uncorking a shot from the high shot that beat David Rittich to make it 1-0 Ducks.

Anaheim doubled their lead a little while later. They got on the cycle and while Kylington had Max Jones covered well, Jones chucked the puck on net and it eluded Rittich (who was concerned with a Ducks player cutting towards the net from the opposite side) to make it 2-0 Ducks.

The Flames got one back before the end of the period. Off the rush there was some nice passing between the makeshift first line of Johnny Gaudreau, Derek Ryan and Austin Czarnik. Gaudreau fed Ryan in the slot, who deked right to the net and tucked the puck behind Ryan Miller to make it 2-1.

Shots were 11-11 and scoring chances 12-5 Ducks in the first period.

Ryan Getzlaf extended Anaheim’s lead in the second period. The Flames had a power play but couldn’t score. As the penalty expired Carter Rowney sent Getzlaf into the Flames zone. Rasmus Andersson kept him from getting too deep, but his wrist shot from just inside the blueline beat Rittich stick side (just inside the far post) to make it 3-1.

Shots were 12-10 Ducks, chances 9-5 Ducks in the second period.

Neither team scored in the final period. Shots were 9-5 Ducks and chances were 8-3 Ducks.

The Flames generally went through the motions. Missing their top four defenders and two of their top forwards they lacked offensive oomph and defensive effectiveness. They went 0-for-5 on the power play with eight shots, and were generally out-played and out-chanced by the Ducks at even strength. High danger scoring chances were 16-7 Ducks and that was generally reflective of the give-a-crap level for the visitors.

Gaudreau got his 98th point of the season, so he gets the nod.

Getzlaf’s goal to make it 3-1 was a sign that perhaps Big Save Dave wasn’t at his best and that the entire group wasn’t quite feeling this one.

Both Flames penalties were taken by Michaels – Stone and Frolik.

Sam Steel is not related to the Sam Steele from the Heritage Minutes segment.

The Flames (50-24-7) complete their regular season schedule with a Saturday night date with the Edmonton Oilers at the Scotiabank Saddledome.