5 Takeaways From Calgary Flames’ December Play

By Shaun Lavery

5 Takeaways From Calgary Flames’ December Play

Calgary Flames December 2014-15 — Going into their Dec. 27 game against the Edmonton Oilers, the Calgary Flames have a record of 18-15-3. The month of December was a rough one for the team featuring an eight-game losing streak. However, there are things we have learned from this past month; here are five takeaways from the Flames’ December play.

5. Third Period Comebacks Proven To Be Unreliable

Dennis Wideman Calgary Flames December 2014-15

5. Third Period Comebacks Proven To Be Unreliable

Dennis Wideman Calgary Flames December 2014-15 — The Flames often find themselves down early, and during the early portion of the 2014-15 NHL season they were able to complete multiple third-period comebacks. In December, it didn’t quite work out as well, contributing to the eight-game skid. The team needs to get ahead in games early, so they don’t have to rely on a late comeback.

4. Young Players Really Contributed For The Flames

Josh Jooris Calgary Flames December 2014-15

4. Young Players Really Contributed For The Flames

Josh Jooris Calgary Flames December 2014-15 — Players like Matt Stajan, Joe Colborne and Mason Raymond all returned from extended periods out of the lineup due to injury. Since they’ve been back, the team hasn’t done as well as they did with their young replacements; showing how well the young guys really did play.

3. There Is Still No. 1 Goalie

Karri Ramo Calgary Flames December 2014-15

3. There Is Still No. 1 Goalie

Karri Ramo Calgary Flames December 2014-15 — Coming into the season, most would’ve guessed that Jonas Hiller would be the team's No.1 goalie. But over the season Karri Ramo has made a case for himself, and with both goalies going through some tough times, head coach Bob Hartley is still flip-flopping between the two.

2. This Team Can Lose

Jonas Hiller Calgary Flames December 2014-15 copy

2. This Team Can Lose

Jonas Hiller Calgary Flames December 2014-15 copy — Before the season started, the expectations for the Flames were low; expected to be in contention for the No. 1 pick in the draft. They started out the year very well, but have slowed down since. This is a young team, so it is not surprising to see them go through some struggles. But, as the saying goes, you have to learn to lose before you learn to win.

1. Mark Giordano Hasn’t Slowed Down

Mark Giordano Calgary Flames December 2014-15

1. Mark Giordano Hasn’t Slowed Down

Mark Giordano Calgary Flames December 2014-15 — It’s pretty amazing that Mark Giordano still leads the team in scoring through 36 games this season. He has 34 points, 24 of which are assists, and even though Jiri Hudler is only one point behind Giordano with 33, no one has played better for the Flames. It’s great to see the undrafted Giordano find so much success and lead by example as the team’s captain.

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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