Post-Game: The Loser Point

The Calgary Flames finally earned another point – their first since their OT win against Colorado on December 4 – via a 3-2 overtime loss against Vancouver. So ends 17 point-less days this month, and hopefully a sign that the tide is turning.

They’re back in action on Monday night in Los Angeles in their last game before the Christmas break.

I’ll admit, I was at a Christmas party tonight so I didn’t watch much more than half of the game. I caught both regulation Vancouver goals, and all I can say it this: Calgary’s entire rough patch can be summed up in Dennis Wideman scoring on his own net from 200 feet away (on a pass to Mason Raymond that #21 biffed on).

But the Flames managed to eke back into it, so you have to commend both score effects and Calgary’s ability to rally back (and Vancouver’s to allow a rally). No shock at all that one of the goal-scorers was Johnny Gaudreau.

So, in short: an own-goal, two too many men penalties and giving up the OT winner 18 seconds into extra time? Yeesh.

From what little I saw and the numbers, Calgary got out-played. Granted, they were a team on the back end of a back to back (with travel), but Vancouver had more shots, more shot attempts and won more face-offs. Most of the time, that’s a recipe for success.

David Jones had the goal that kicked off the comeback and led the Flames in shots. He’s been strong lately and this sounds like it was yet another good outing for #19.

Honourable mention to Deryk Engelland, who was a goal short of a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Calgary is now 17-15-3 through 35 games. They complete their pre-Christmas schedule on Monday night in Los Angeles against Darryl Sutter’s LA Kings.