Daily Scan: Flames look to rebound against Cup champs

The Calgary Flames failed their first test of 2022 against a top league opponent. They lost their game to the impressive Panthers 6-2 on Tuesday night. Redemption is in their hands as early as Thursday, when they pop over to the other side of the state to visit the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Meanwhile, possible Flames trade target Claude Girioux had to find a way to watch his own team play while in COVID protocol, and Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is out with the virus, too.

“Wake up call,” Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson said flatly via Zoom after Wednesday’s practice. “Short answer is we’ve got to play better.”

There was a longer answer. Andersson listed pretty much every area of their game for that one, echoing the disappointment from his teammates on the podium the previous night.

“We lost each period. It’s not a recipe for success, how we played. Hopefully it’s just a one-off,” Matthew Tkachuk said after the loss. “That’s a measuring stick game for us and we didn’t measure up very well.”

Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter suggested goaltender Jacob Markstrom needs to be better as well. Tkachuk, though, says the team takes credit for hanging six on him for just the second time as a member of the Flames.

“We left Marky out to dry on pretty much all of them,” said Tkachuk. “Whether it’s turnovers or not picking up guys or not getting pucks out, or not having your guy.”

Watch what the Panthers players had to say over at Florida Hockey Now, where George Richards blazes the Cats beat.

NHL Trades, and League News

Sportsnet: Highlight from Tuesday night include a miraculous Marc-Andre Fleury save and an even better overtime game-winning goal from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar.

Sportsnet: Here is a constantly updated COVID-19 tracker for the entire NHL. Oilers captain Connor McDavid has been added to the list but Toronto Maple Leaf’s center Auston Matthews has cleared.

Sportsnet: The latest edition of Elliotte Friedman’s 32-thoughts goes over just how much of a challenge it will be for the NHL to reschedule all of their games this season if they plan on finishing on time. That’s especially relevant for the Calgary Flames, who have played a league low 11 games at home all season.

Women’s Hockey: Team USA has announced their 23-player roster for the 2022 IIHF Winter Olympic Games in Beijing which features Hilary Knight, Amanda Kessel, and Kendall Coyne Schofield.

National Hockey Now

Have you ever been trying to watch a Calgary Flames game when you get blacked out by a TV provider or have a game that is not available in your area? Well, last night the NHL had this happen to one of their own. This one shines a light on just how pathetic this ongoing problem is.

Philadelphia: Of all players, captain of the Philadelphia Flyers Claude Giroux had to go through some hoops just to watch his own team play.

Vegas: The Golden Knights dropped their second straight game Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. Logan Thompson made his first career NHL start but was unable to get the win thanks in part to his team’s sloppy defensive game in front of him. Sound familiar, Calgary Flames fans?

Colorado Hockey Now: Adrian Dater called it the best goal he’s seen in 26 years covering the team. And he covered the Sakic and Forsberg years. The Avalanche won in OT and the GWG was a beauty. Watch the Cale Makar goal.

Pittsburgh: A pending unrestricted free agent, Kris Letang says he wants to play five more years in the NHL.

Is Brian Boyle the fastest player in the league? The veteran center raced from Pittsburgh to Massachusetts in record time to make it for the birth of his third child, Callum.

Boston: David Pastrnak has finally snapped his goal drought as the Boston Bruins defeated the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night.

Long Island: Good news for the New York Islanders, a team that has battled with COVID-19 often this season. Sebastian Aho rejoined the Islanders at practice and now the team has no players in COVID-19 protocols.

Detroit: Staying in the playoff hunt and taking down the San Jose Sharks, 6-2. The Detroit Red Wings aren’t giving up easily.

NYI: The kids are doing just fine–Noah Dobson and Keiffer Bellows are finally getting the call. They’re injecting life into the stale New York Islanders lineup.

Washington: Between COVID and injuries and injury returns…the roster de Washington Capitals is a turnstile.