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November 5-5-2

OTW 4-3 vs VAN (Dec 2)
Connor Zary makes his first NHL goal a memorable one, scoring the game winner in overtime. Both goalies had to work hard tonight with Demko having to make 35 saves and Markstrom having to make 38. A sore back means Kadri has to miss this game, but is expected to be back on the ice within the next week.

L 4-0 vs MIN (Dec 5)
Mark-Andre Fleury successfully makes 22 saves in a 4-0 shutout. Max Lajoie made 4 big hits against the wile, and Lindholm won 9/12 faceoffs, however constant giveaways and only being able to get low quality shots off caused Calgary to stutter.

W 3-1 vs CAR (Dec 7)
In Nazem Kadri's return to the lineup, the Flames rally to take down the in-form Canes. After a forgettable game against Minnesota, Adam Ruzicka makes a bounce back, with two assists and a takeaway. Despite a scoreless first period, the three goals in the second period meant that Kotkaniemi's consolation goal was not a threat to Calgary.

W 3-2 vs NJD (Dec 9)
Max Lajoie scores to further justify potential new contract talks. Elias Lindholm further ups his trade value, winning 8/10 faceoffs tonight. The lower lines come through with Mathias Emilio Pettersen scoring the OT game winner.

BREAKING NEWS
While still on leave in Sweden, Oliver Kylington becomes involved in an off ice incident. Having not played a game in almost 2 years, Castonguay confirms that the current plan is that he will not be offered an extension and will be a free agent in the off season.

W 6-3 @ COL (Dec 11)
The Flames make a statement, heading to playoff contending Colorado to walk away with a 6-3 win. However this comes at a cost. During the game, captain Mikael Backlund tore his rib cage and will miss around 3 months. Rasmus Andersson takes the first star of the game, with 4 assists in the game. Calgary will be happy to be on a winning streak as they make a trip to Vegas.

Transaction
Mikael Backlund to IL, C Ben Jones to NHL

L 5-4 @ VGK (Dec 12)
Calgary fail to keep their winning streak alive, with the Western Conference leaders being too strong for them. Rookie Mathias Emilio Pettersen proves he is NHL calibre, with his first multi goal game. Calgary's injury woes continue with a minor neck laceration keeping Huberdeau off the ice for a couple of weeks.


Transaction
Johnathan Huberdeau to IL, RW Cole Schwindt to NHL

L 5-3 @ MIN (Dec 14)
Another tough matchup for the Flames moves them onto a losing streak. Mathias Emilio Pettersen was the main talking point once again, struggling defensively, but scoring a hat trick to continue his run of form. Potential deadline target Kevin Rooney also shows his physicality, making 6 hits during the game.

SOL 2-1 vs TBL (Dec 16)
A homecoming wasn't enough to stop the losing streak, as despite a late score from Rasmus Andersson, the Flames were unable to take the shootout. The Flames also failed to score on any of their 6 powerplay chances. Another strong performance from the top D pairing, as Weegar and Moser combine for 8 hits.

L 6-2 vs FLA (Dec 18)
The losing streak continues. Kevin Rooney showed up defensively, but with Lindholm and Greer being regularly beaten by puckhandlers, the defending Eastern champs had no issue casting the Flames aside.

SOL 3-2 @ LAK (Dec 23)
A short break was not enough to reignite Calgary, who fall to 12-15-5 heading into the Christmas break. Despite holding an 2-1 lead in the last 5 minutes, the Kings fought their way into overtime, and a win in the shootout.

Transaction
Johnathan Huberdeau to NHL, RW Cole Schwindt to AHL

L 4-2 vs SEA (Dec 27)
Coming off a break, against an under pressure Dave Hakstol, with Huberdeau back in the lineup seemed like a perfect occasion for Calgary to get back in the win column, however this was not to be. Huberdeau made his return known early, with a first period goal to put the Flames up 1-0. however with 3 unanswered goals in the 3rd period, the Kraken left Calgary with the points.

W 6-2 vs PHI (Dec 31)
Calgary finishes off the year with a come from behind win. Despite falling behind 2-0, 6 unanswered goals from the Flames put them over the line. Trey Fix-Wolansky got himself three assists, repaying Castonguay's faith in bringing him to Calgary.


Calgary Stats
Goals - Lindholm (13), Kadri (11), Pettersen (8), Backlund, Pettersen, Huberdeau (7)
Assists - Huberdeau (17), Moser (15), Sharangovich, Weegar (13), Ruzicka, Backlund (11)
Points - Huberdeau (24), Lindholm (22), Moser, Sharangovich, Backlund (18)
PIM - Lajoie (27), Moser, Coleman, Greer (21), Backlund (18)
Shots - Huberdeau (85), Hanifin (83), Mangiapane (82), Kadri (81), Sharangovich (73)
Hits - Coleman (74), Weegar (65), Mangiapane (62), Greer (58), Moser (57
Takeaways - Weegar (32), Lindholm (27), Moser (24), Huberdeau (24), Hanifin (23)
Blocks - Andersson (52), Moser (47), Weegar (42), Hanifin (37), Tanev (37)
FO% (min 5) - Sharangovich (73.9%), Trey Fix-Wolansky (57.1%), Elias Lindholm (55.3%), Nazem Kadri (52.0%)

Prospects
Jeremie Poirier (21, AHL) - 26 GP, 6G 10A - Further developing his shooting and offensive read, Poirier should be ready for a Calder campaign next season.

Dustin Wolf (22, AHL) - 22GP, .892 SV%, 3.69 GAA - Wolf had a few solid outings in december, and has started turing his season around. An extension is still questionable however.

Etienne Morin (18, WHL) - 22 GP, 11G, 16A - A dominant versitile threat for Moncton, Morin is making a statement for himself in the WHL. He has also become a first pairing D for Canada at the 2023 World Juniors.

Aydar Suniev (19, NCAA) - 18 GP, 3G, 8A - Suniev is very well matched at the NCAA level. While strong physically and a good playmaker, more time in college could help his game.

Jaden Lipinski (19, WHL) - 26 GP, 10G, 8A - A long term upgrade to the second for Calgary. On a scoring slump currently but if he can turn that around he could force himself into NHL discussions next year.