The Flames’ Momentum Swings Both Ways

The Saddledome is not a fun place to be right now. The Flames have lost six straight games, are 1-8-1 in their last ten, and are currently sitting in 9th place in the Western Conference. Their stock is falling faster than Tim Tebow’s at the Senior Bowl, and it’s just as confusing.


This is the same team that started the season with a 7-2-1 record and was atop the Northwest division with a 25-12-5 record just 3 weeks ago. From hot to not, the Flames have found that the Momentum Mistress can turn on a team with a flutter of her evil eyelashes.

On paper, the team is loaded with NHL stars like Jerome Iginla, Olli Jokinen, Dion Phaneuf, Jay Bouwmeester and Miikka Kiprusoff. They have some great breakout players in Rene Bourque, Adam Pardy and Matt Giordano.

So what happened? Let’s take a look at some of the numbers.

The most obvious difference during the Flames losing streak is the significant drop in shooting percentage and save percentage. I know what you’re thinking. That seems obvious, and it is. The real question is “Why?”


The Flames are actually taking more shots per game and giving up less during their losing streak. The Flames might be taking more shots from distance and bad angles. Taking a look at the ESPN Shot Chart for Monday’s game versus the Blues doesn’t seem to indicate an issue. The Flames had at least 12 shots from the central third of the ice and inside the hashmarks.

This next table shows the likely culprit.

Calgary’s special teams play has taken an immense turn for the worse. They’re still giving up more short-handed situations than they’re gaining on the man advantage. Unfortunately the conversion rates for both units have plummeted significantly.

To be honest, I haven’t been watching closely enough to pinpoint problems on either unit, but I will be from now on, and will follow up with some insight. I’m just hoping that Coach Sutter and the rest of the team figure it out before I do.