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NHL Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames Proving to be a Very Resilient Bunch

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Calgary Flames Win Over Anaheim 2014-15

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into the Calgary Flames’ game against the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 18, many people were claiming that the Flames would finally run out of luck, and succumb to one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

It’s no secret that Calgary is off to a hot start, and their schedule this week gives the Flames a chance to prove to the NHL that they are no fluke. On Tuesday’s game against Anaheim, they proved that they are not only no fluke, but that they are one of the most resilient teams in the NHL.

In the game against the Ducks, the Flames found themselves down 2-0 after two periods. They couldn’t seem to get anything going until the third started. Jiri Hudler scored early in the final frame, and Dennis Wideman added two more. Calgary went on to win 4-3 in the shootout thanks to goals from Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. This win was special for the Flames because not only did they beat a Stanley Cup contender, but they did it with such resiliency — they never quit.

The Flames seem to love playing in the third period. They lead the league with 27 third period goals, and have won four of 10 games when trailing after 40 minutes of play. These stats support how resilient the Flames really are. Part of their identity is to be one of the hardest working teams in the league.

You can see it in the way they play; their pace is filled with tenacity and a “never say die” attitude.  This is all a testament to Bob Hartley’s coaching abilities. He has been able to take a young group and steer them in the right direction. No one expected much out of this team coming into the 2014-15 season, but now they are changing the way people look at the Calgary Flames.

On Nov. 20, they play the Chicago Blackhawks, another perennial powerhouse. Calgary has already defeated the Blackhawks once this season, but it was on the back of a 49-save performance by Jonas Hiller; something they cannot expect to get every night. It is going to take a full team effort, as always, to beat Chicago. But if the Flames do it once again, one can’t help but think this team is legitimate.

Shaun Lavery is a Calgary Flames writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, or add him to your network on Google. 

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