Back-To-Back Shutouts: Flames 2, Hurricanes 0

Karri Ramo earned his first career NHL shutout as the Calgary Flames cruised to an easy 2-0 win over the listless Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night in front of 15,276 at the PNC Arena.

It was the second straight shutout for the Canes as they were also kept off the scoresheet in a 3-0 loss against Columbus on Friday night.

The loss gives the Canes a 19-18-9 record, good for seventh place in the Metropolitan Division.

The Canes were outshot 14-5 in the first period, which was scoreless thanks to the hard work of Anton Khudobin, who was sharp early.  But the Flames got on the scoreboard at 15:26 into the second period on a powerplay goal by Mikael Backlund, who was wearing the "A" in place of the injured Mike Cammalleri.

The puck took an unlucky bounce off the skate of a Hurricane toward the crease and Khudobin was unable to get a glove on it before Backlund knocked it in.

The Canes were able to generate a few chances here and there, but could not sustain consistent pressure as Calgary dictated play most of the contest.  Even in the third period when they really needed it, Carolina was outshot, 9-6 and they faced a 29-23 deficit for the game.

Sean Monahan scored the clincher 9:36 into the third period on a nice pass from Paul Byron.

The Hurricanes only drew two penalties for the game while they went to the box four times.  They were officially 0-1 with the extra man while the Flames were 1-3.

Coach Kirk Muller mixed and matched the lines throughout as he seemed to be searching for chemistry, but never found it.  He ended up shortening the bench as Riley Nash only played 6:06, Radek Dvorak played 7:41, and Tuomo Ruutu played 8:05.

Next up for the Canes will be the Florida Panthers on Saturday night at the PNC.

Game Notes:

• There is not much to say about this game as it could be the worst performance of the year for the Canes.  Ramo has been around a bit and has a career .894 NHL save percentage, but looked very good against Carolina as he earned his first career shutout.
• Carolina's 23 shots on goal will normally not get the job done.  The Hurricanes were led by Gerbe with four.
• Brett Bellemore was credited with a team high six hits.