|
CHI/TOR/NSH Games Postponed Due to Six Players in Covid Protocol |
|
|
|
|
|
The NHL announced today a postponement of the next three Flames games after six players and one member of the training staff entered COVID-19 protocol.
Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Brad Richardson, Adam Ruzicka, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov were the players listed that will be out. Let’s keep them in our thoughts and wish them a speedy recovery.
Training facilities will be closed until further notice and seek to return to play Saturday against Columbus.
What could this mean for the Flames? Two trains of thought.
Train #1: The Flames don’t handle time off well
This has been a problem for years. In 2018, the Flames were on a seven game winning streak, took their bye week then lost six in a row. In 2019, the Flames lost five of six following their week off. This unexpected break may not be ideal.
Train #2: The Flames badly need some rest
After playing the most frequent and travel-heavy schedule of all teams in the NHL in the first 40 days of the season; fatigue was starting to become apparent. Especially in players such as Mikael Backlund, Chris Tanev, Trevor Lewis and other veteran players over 30. Even Jacob Markstrom posted his first bad game of the season against Boston on Saturday. Perhaps this break will get the jump back into several player’s steps.
It also adds three games to the schedule that need to be played at some point later in the season. A game sprinkled into a three or four day break will help keep the Flames sharp as they were looking at an “easier” second half of the season that featured more time off.
On a lighter note:
Former Flames third round pick Jon Gillies got his first NHL start last night since February 2018. So happy for him. He’s had a hard road to the NHL since University and it’s great to see him get another shot.
This week will feature some discussion on potential acquisitions and one or two pieces on options for the Flames.
Trevor Neufeld
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»