Post-Game: The house always wins

The Calgary Flames were out-maneuvered at nearly every turn by the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday afternoon. An uncharacteristically flat Flames group was shut out 2-0 by the Golden Knights.

This game wasn’t particularly high event. The first period was fairly uninteresting, with the teams even in shots at eight apiece and scoring chances narrowly favouring Vegas at 8-7. Neither team scored.

The second period was fairly similar. Vegas took over control of the game, eventually breaking through late in the period as Alex Tuch tipped a Cody Eakin shot past David Rittich for a 1-0 lead. Shots were 10-8 Vegas and chances were 10-3 Vegas.

The Golden Knights doubled their lead in the third period. Johnny Gaudreau was penalized and a Colin Miller slap shot found its way through traffic and beat Rittich to make it 2-0. The Flames pressed late but a late interference penalty to James Neal, a penalty of frustration, sapped their momentum and ate up much of the late parts of regulation. Shots were 13-10 Flames and chances 8-3 Flames, but it was too little, too late.

It was an uncharacteristically sloppy and occasionally disinterested Flames club facing Vegas on this occasion. It helps that Vegas had last change and could really negate key Flames players, but Calgary’s outbursts of energy were few and far between. The didn’t play great and didn’t get the breaks, which is usually a recipe for a loss.

Rittich allowed two goals, one at even strength, but he was sharp throughout this contest. TJ Brodie also had a strong outing.

Miller’s power play marker doubled the lead and made the Flames’ road back more or less insurmountable.

The Flames wore their red home jerseys, while the Golden Knights wore white.

The Flames have never won a game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ever. (Through three visits.)

The Flames (13-9-1) head off to scenic Phoenix, Arizona. They face the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday afternoon.