Flames Suffer 8-1 Defeat to Canucks in Pre-Season Matchup

The Calgary Flames faced a significant setback in their preparations for the upcoming NHL season as they were decisively defeated 8-1 by the Vancouver Canucks during a pre-season game on March 15, 2024. The loss highlighted several concerns for the Flames, including underwhelming performances from their backup goalie candidates and potential injuries to key forwards.

Following the match, Flames alternate captain MacKenzie Weegar expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the importance of the pre-season in addressing team issues. “I think that’s the only good takeaway is that it happened in pre-season and hopefully we can wake up from that,” Weegar stated. He emphasized the need for the team to approach their next game against the Winnipeg Jets with the same intensity as a home opener, saying, “Because it wasn’t very good tonight.”

Goalie Competition in Question

The pre-season game served as a critical evaluation for the Flames’ backup goaltenders. Both Ivan Prosvetov and Devin Cooley struggled significantly, raising questions about their readiness for the regular season. Prosvetov, who joined the Flames from the KHL, conceded five goals on 19 shots before being replaced. His performance included a breakaway goal by Brock Boeser and a power-play strike from Elias Pettersson, as well as a shorthanded goal that Prosvetov would likely want back.

Cooley, who entered the game in relief, fared little better, stopping only four of seven shots. His struggles included an ill-fated attempt to fend off a goal from Aatu Raty and two goals surrendered during odd-man rushes in the third period. Head Coach Ryan Huska noted the challenges faced by both goalies, stating, “It was a tough one for both of those guys because of what we did in front of them.”

With the Flames’ season opener approaching, the decision on who will serve as the backup to Dustin Wolf remains uncertain. Both Prosvetov and Cooley will require waivers for demotion to the minor leagues, a factor that could influence management’s choice in the coming days.

Injuries and Team Dynamics

In addition to the goalie dilemma, the Flames are also grappling with potential injuries to several regular forwards. The pre-season is traditionally a time for teams to solidify their rosters and build chemistry, but the Flames’ recent performance suggests that there are still significant areas for improvement.

The 8-1 defeat not only serves as a wake-up call for the Flames but also highlights the need for the team to shake off bad habits before the games begin to count in the standings. The players and coaching staff are aware that the stakes will only increase as they move closer to the regular season, making it essential to address these concerns promptly.

Moving forward, the Flames will have one final opportunity in the pre-season against the Winnipeg Jets to fine-tune their performance and make necessary roster decisions. The outcome of this upcoming matchup will be critical in determining the team’s readiness for the challenges ahead in the 2024 NHL season.