Why Can't the Flames String Wins Together?
Plus, expectations for Andrei Kuzmenko and Jonathan Huberdeau's best game
Welcome to the THW Calgary Flames Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Flames writers.
In today’s edition, we ask the question of why the team can’t string wins together to go on a long streak and figure out what the expectations should be for Andrei Kuzmenko. Finally, Jonathan Huberdeau plays his best game since joining the Flames.
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Extended Winning Streaks Elusive for Calgary Flames
February 8, 2024 by Gary Pearson
The Calgary Flames played arguably their best game of the season in Tuesday’s 4-1 victory over Boston. They notched their second consecutive triumph after beating the Chicago Blackhawks at home before the All-Star Break. Nobody writes home about a two-game winning streak, especially after seeing the Flames’ neighbours to the north reel off 16 straight before falling 3-1 to the Golden Knights in Vegas on Tuesday.
While a 16-game winning streak for the Flames is about as likely as affording a Super Bowl ticket, they must find a way to go on a few decent runs if they want to secure a playoff berth. Calgary has endured all sorts of issues putting a winning streak together. Things were looking up in early January, with their first four-game winning streak of the season.
But four successive defeats immediately offset that uplifting streak. Sound familiar? The Flames haven’t won at least five in a row since the 2021-22 campaign, when they won the Pacific Division. Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau led that team to several impressive winning streaks, including a 10-game run that tied the franchise record.
Huberdeau Plays Best Game in a Flames Sweater Versus Bruins
February 7, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
If his performance on Tuesday night is any indicator, Jonathan Huberdeau still possesses elite-level skill. The 30-year-old was fantastic in the Calgary Flames’ 4-1 victory over the Boston Bruins, scoring a goal and adding two helpers. The goal snapped a nine-game drought for Huberdeau, while the three-point outing marks his first of the season.
Even with the big night, Huberdeau still has just seven goals and 29 points through 49 outings, proving just how rough of a season it has been for him. As everyone is well aware, 2022-23 wasn’t much better, as he finished with 55 points in 79 games. This game does give some hope that things may begin changing for him, however, which would be a major relief for the Flames organization.
What the Calgary Flames Can Expect From Andrei Kuzmenko
February 6, 2024 by Gary Pearson
Andrei Kuzmenko will suit up for the first time as a member of the Calgary Flames on Tuesday in Boston, but what can head coach Ryan Huska and company expect from their new arrival? On Monday (Feb. 5), he practiced with Jonathan Huberdeau and Yegor Sharangovich, which should comprise the No. 1 unit against the Bruins.
While Kuzmenko barely speaks a lick of English, Huberdeau is excited about what he’s seen thus far from his new teammate. His lack of English won’t be an issue for Sharangovich, whose primary language is Belarusian. It’s way too early to know how the 28-year-old Russian will adapt to life in Calgary, but his track record in the NHL, despite a brief season-and-a-half sample size, is promising. Hopefully, he has the magic touch and can restore the confidence of Calgary’s most disappointing player.
The undrafted left winger took to life in the NHL like a math professor to calculus. In 2022-23, his first season in the NHL, Kuzmenko tied Elias Pettersson for first on the Vancouver Canucks with 39 goals. He has seen a marked drop-off in the current campaign, scoring 21 points in 43 games. Kuzmenko’s regression was expected based on his unsustainable 27.3% shooting percentage and goals above expected (15) from his rookie season.