The Calgary Flames thought they were back on track with four straight wins, but a corresponding series of setbacks erased last week's progress.
The Alberta team is in the thick of the fight to make the playoffs, and a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night certainly won't help their cause.
“We took a step back,” head coach Ryan Huska admitted in a press conference. There were good things here and there in the game against Toronto (January 18). The games we’re not happy with are the last two and that’s a harder pill to swallow.”
The Flames are in the final stretch of a six-game homestand. After a win against the Arizona Coyotes, local fans suffered four losses.
“We are in a fight at the moment and these are points that you should do everything for at home. I don’t think we had the energy to do it,” the pilot admitted.
Unacceptable
Despite his calm voice, Huska didn't hesitate to identify the source of the problem. According to him, his men lacked dynamism and responsiveness against the Jackets.
“I feel like we’re always a second behind,” he said. It’s a sign that the team is tired or that our senses aren’t sharp enough.”
“This is unacceptable. […] “We keep making the same mistakes,” said defenseman Chris Tanev. You have to do all the little things, all the details well. Those are the things that help you win hockey games, and we’re not getting there yet.”
Jonathan Huberdeau is also one of the players who had a moment of uncertainty. When he arrived too late to tackle Jack Roslovic, he was ejected from the game for a head throw. The Jackets player had a bloody face and had to retreat to the locker room.
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It's all or nothing for Quebecers right now because January is significantly better than December. However, certain performances like Thursday's or last Saturday's, when he was on the ice for the Edmonton Oilers' three goals, bring him back down to earth.
Before the Flames return to the road, they host the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday evening.