CALGARY — Through four games, a troubling picture has emerged for the team. Calgary Flames.
They just can't finish.
While finishing in front of goal has been the number one issue this season, the team's inability to finish has been a point of contention lately.
Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights marked the third straight game in which the Flames ended the game with a blow to the face.
Because of this disappearance, the boys squandered a 2:0 lead in the first period. The visitors responded with four goals in a row, including three in the final period.
In a three-game series in which the Flames led once, trailed once and were tied in the third period, Calgary was outscored 9–1 in the final frame.
“Good teams find a way to win in the third period,” said Mackenzie Weegar, whose first-period magic led to Mikael Backlund's goal that put him on the jumper early.
“We have to find a way to learn from this. I hate that word 'concerning', but it's definitely something that needs to be addressed and we definitely need to fix it.”
The Flames were down 13-5 in the third, outplayed in the corners and outmatched in the clutch. Jack Eichel led the Vegas attack, scoring twice and setting the tone for a team that knows how to close the scoring. The Flames, meanwhile, looked like a group still trying to figure out how to play with or hold onto a lead.
“It’s a lot like the last three,” head coach Ryan Huska said of the explosion.
“We just don’t play full games.”
That's putting it mildly. In each of their last three games, the Flames have either blown leads or failed to create the urgency that defines winning teams. Tuesday's collapse was especially painful given the strong start and the opportunity to go against a perennial rival.
Blake Coleman, who extended the Flames' lead just 12 minutes into the game, seemed stunned that a group known for its third-period success last season continued to fall prey late.
“It's a lesson that probably shouldn't be taught in this group,” said Coleman, whose team scored twice on Adin Hill before he suffered a lower-body injury, replaced by Akira Schmid in the second period. (Yes, place your bets on the Knights signing Carter Hart as early as Wednesday, when he can sign with an NHL team.)
“You know, we have guys who have been there and know how to do it, and yeah, it's disappointing,” Coleman added.
Disappointment is one thing. Regarding the other. And while Weegar may hate the word, it's hard to avoid when the same issues keep resurfacing. Defensive lapses, missed assignments and a lack of killer instinct plagued the Flames in crunch time — a far cry from the identity they hoped to create under the Huskies.
The loss dropped Calgary to 1-3-0 on the season, with just one comeback win in Edmonton in four games. The Flames, known for their work ethic and discipline heading into the 2024-25 season, have yet to put together the full 60-minute game they need to make the playoffs.
There is no shortage of talent in the room. Veterans like Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau and Rasmus Andersson have the pedigree. Youngsters like Matt Coronato and Connor Zary bring energy and potential for growth. But until the group collectively accepts the hockey routine of the third period, the results will remain the same.
“We definitely have to fix this,” Weegar reiterated, echoing a locker room that knows the clock is ticking — not just on the games, but on the trajectory of the season.
Dustin Wolf made 26 saves in defeat, falling victim to Eichel for the second time in the game for the winner six minutes into the third. Wolfe will finally make way for Devin Cooley on Wednesday when the Flames visit Utah.
Huberdeau, who skated with the team Tuesday for the first time since being injured in the preseason, will be on the road trip that brings the Flames to the Golden Knights on Saturday.
There's no excuse for not showing up for a late shift in Vegas.
