3 Takeaways From Flames Shutout Loss To Panthers
The Calgary Flames (28-23-8) remain a point out of a playoff despite not scoring a goal for the second consecutive game, falling to the defending Stanley Cup champions, Florida Panthers, 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
As fate would have it, the Panthers returned the favor to the Flames, who shut them out 3-0 on their only trip to the Saddledome on Dec. 14.
Despite Dan Vladar's brilliance in goal, who made his second start in three games, Calgary was blanked for the second straight game, a feat unmatched since Nov. 16-17, 2019, against the Arizona Coyotes and Vegas Golden Knights.
Let's discuss today's latest setback.
The last time the Flames scored a goal, by Jonathan Huberdeau, was at 15:32 of the third period against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. After another shutout loss on Saturday, the team's goalless streak has reached 124:28.
Meanwhile, Calgary's goal per game average dipped to 2.56, ranking 31st in the league, just ahead of the Anaheim Ducks (2.55).
The team they are chasing in the standings, the Vancouver Canucks cap off the Saturday schedule with a late night tilt against the Seattle Kraken.
If they win, the gap widens to three points, a number the Flames have come to dislike in the past two outings, as they could not beat two Vezina Trophy-winning goalies.
As an unrestricted free agent at season's end, there's a chance that the Flames will deal Vladar before next Friday's deadline or keep him for the playoff push, risk losing him in free agency.
Although he's had an up-and-down season, Vladar has been brilliant in his last two performances against two top teams in the Eastern Conference. First, he backed the Flames to an upset win over the Capitals, but he was the only reason the Panthers won 3-0 and not 8-0.
Dan Vladar makes another great save! He keeps the puck from crossing the goal line. 🎥: Sportsnet | NHL#Flames pic.twitter.com/cNxABkJXkj
— Robert Munnich (@RingOfFireCGY) March 1, 2025
Despite all the goalie interference and video reviews, he walked away from a matchup against the reigning Stanley Cup champions making 39 saves on 42 shots, while his team mustered up 23 shots of their own.
Before a late third period sealed the deal, Vladar had given up only two goals on 35 shots through the first two periods. He had little to no run support as the Flames went into the third with just 12 shots.
No matter what happens to Vladar in the next six days, he's proven to be a valued team member who can handle the pressure and share the workload with Dustin Wolf.
There is no time to think about the loss to the Panthers, as the Flames have an afternoon meeting with the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. Once again, they will find themselves up against a top team who ranks in the top ten in goals scored and fewest goals against.
NHL Highlights | Flames vs. Panthers - March 1, 2025 Sergei Bobrovsky stopped all 23 shots he faced on the night, Evan Rodrigues had a goal and an assist, and the Florida Panthers blanked the Calgary Flames 3-0...
Everyone knew this road trip wouldn't be easy and could potentially end the Flames' season. However, no one expected to see the team export all its energy in the first game and then go into hiding in the follow-up contests.
Professional athletes hate to lose, as Nazem Kadri pointed out just before the road trip. But the opportunities to win and clinch a playoff spot are dwindling. It's now put up or shut up time, and it's only game 60.
On Sunday, the superstars need to be superstars, role players need to step up, and Wolf needs to show the world why he's worthy of the Calder Trophy. It sounds like a tall task, but if these guys hate losing so much, they are the only ones capable of ending it.
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