The Flames look better against the Jets, but losing streak reaches six games

Monday’s contest between the Calgary Flames and the Winnipeg Jets was a tale of glass half-full and glass half-empty for the home side.

On one side, the Flames sure did look a lot more like we all expected them to look this season. They played structured hockey in all three zones. They forechecked well. They didn’t have too many breakdowns or missed assignments. Dustin Wolf looked superb. They scored first, with Rasmus Andersson lighting the lamp midway through the second period.

But despite all those positives, the Flames still found a way to lose the game, giving up third period goals to Jonathan Toews and Mark Scheifele to lose 2-1.

The result runs the Flames’ current losing streak to six games. It’s their first six game losing skid since Oct. 20-Nov. 1, 2023, a stretch that included a one-sided loss to Edmonton outdoors in the Heritage Classic. During their 2023 streak they were out-scored 24-9. Over their past six games, they’ve been out-scored 24-8.

Following Monday’s game, Flames alternate captain Rasmus Andersson agreed with the premise that, despite the result, the Flames were closer to playing their brand of hockey.

“I think so,” said Andersson. “I mean, obviously still too many penalties, a couple of sloppy ones in the second period with too many men. But yeah, obviously it’s closer, but I don’t know exactly how many power plays they have… You just can’t give them too many. They’re going to capitalize eventually, and we gave them too many today.”

The Flames took five minors that put the Jets on the man advantage, which resulted in a nearly unprecedented 20 power play shots on goal by the Jets – the most the Flames have allowed in a single game since Mar. 12, 2009. The Jets scored on their 20th man advantage shot on net to tie the game.

Flames head coach Ryan Huska noted that the Flames were better defensively than in previous outings.

“There was some good stuff tonight, really,” said Huska. “I mean, I think we gave up six chances five on five to a very good team, right? It’s just it’s staying with the hard parts of the game. That’s important for us.”

The Flames have a record of 1-6-0 through their first seven games of the season. They sit 32nd overall in points percentage, 32nd in goals for per game, 30th in goals against per game, 26th in the power play and 21st on the penalty kill. Two points through the first seven games of a season is the lowest total in franchise history.

At this point, moral victories don’t mean a whole lot. The Flames desperately need victories that count in the standings. They’re back in action on Wednesday evening when they host the Montreal Canadiens.