Flames Daily: Ducks Torch Flames, Alex Holtz’ Mystery Benching

You have to wonder if Tuesday night’s 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks will have some recurring themes over the final eight games. Only a few key players showed up to play, and the rest seemingly consider the season cooked and not worth providing a deeper sense of urgency.

Head coach Ryan Huska chimed in on the lack of a complete effort following the loss.

“We looked for an easy game was my opinion on it, and I think that’s what we ended up getting.”

On the one hand, some fans will be happy to see the Flames freefall to finish out the year. Ottawa and Montreal sit three points behind the Flames with 70, and even Columbus at 67 could catch up to Calgary; who has 73 points and a single win in their last seven games.

On the other, giving up that urgency – that desire to win can be a slippery slope. Younger players take their queues from underperforming and overperforming veterans alike.

Also of concern is the play of goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who posted his seventh sub-.900 save percentage game in a row.

Given how the Flames have trended this season, they’ll likely line up a few wins in the near future and completely flip the script.

Daily Roundup

Following the NHL on any given morning, afternoon, or evening can be an arduous process. Look at one site, check another; that can take a lot out of your day. The Flames Daily finds the Flames news you may have missed and sprinkles in some drama from around the League.      

For example, Devils head coach Travis Green benched Flames trade target Alexander Holtz and is taking a cryptic approach to the matter. [Devils Travis Green Benches Alexander Holtz, ‘He Knows Why’]

Calgary Hockey Now 

The Calgary Flames are having a tough time following the exodus of their top defensive pairing. [Stats Flips: Flames Enter Basement Dweller Territory Following UFA Sell-Off]

Six free agent targets to make the Flames experience more enjoyable next season. [6 Spicy Free Agent Targets for the Calgary Flames This Offseason]

Other Flames Daily News 

Calgary Herald: Veteran winger Dryden Hunt has had a big time impact on MAtthew Coronato’s game [‘He’s been huge for me’: Flames rookie Matt Coronato credits veteran teammate with key assist]

TSN: This final stretch of games should offer prime learning opportunities for Calgary’s younger players. [Class in session for young Flames down the stretch]

Around the NHL 

Colorado Hockey Now: Two playoff impact Russians have either joined or re-joined the Avalanche. Lookout, Edmonton. [GOTTA SEE IT: Kovalenko In Avalanche Colors For First Time; Nichushkin Joins]

Chicago Hockey Now: Catch up on how 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard’s season is going. [Connor Bedard Continues Steady Climb Up the Blackhawks Rookie Ranks]

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sid the Kid caught Gretzky in one statistical category. [Sidney Crosby Ties Wayne Gretzky Record]

San Jose Hockey Now:  Sheng Peng makes sense of a head-scratching roster move made by general manager Mike Grier. [Why Did Sharks Use Last Regular Recall on Studnicka?]

Boston Hockey Now:  The Bruins signed a honkingly large NCAA prospect. [Bruins Sign Gophers Captain Jaxon Nelson To ELC]

Philly Hockey Now: Torts drama? Oh yeah. Torts drama. The Stanley Cup winning head coach called out the work ethic of his team this week – to much criticism. [Bailey: Tortorella’s Criticism of Flyers is Unfounded]

More from CHN: 

For more Flames news, visit Calgary Hockey Now and like our Facebook page. 

Follow us on 𝕏: 

@CgyHockeyNow and @Trevor_Neufeld