Flames 4, Hurricanes 1

The Carolina Hurricanes dampened any playoff thoughts fans might have had as they dropped a stinker against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night, losing 4-1 against a team they beat easily in Raleigh before the All Star break.

The Canes could get nothing going on their powerplay while allowing two powerplay goals to the lowly Flames, who were ranked at the bottom of the league with the man advantage.

Sean Monahan, who was drafted right after Elias Lindholm, had a goal and three assists and had a hand in each of the Calgary scores.

If you are not keeping track, so far this season Monahan has 15 goals, 18 assists, and 33 points compared to Lindholm's 8 goals, 16 assists and 24 points.  Career wise, Monahan has 68 goals, 61 assists and 129 points to Lindy's 34 goals, 50 assists and 84 points.

The Flames jumped on Carolina early and were outshooting the visitors, 6-0 before the Canes could muster a shot on goal.

Dougie Hamilton made it 1-0 half way through the first period during a Calgary powerplay, but Lindholm came right back with a beauty of a move and shot to tie the score just 18 seconds later.

The first period ended tied but the home team took over the game in the second with two goals scored within a minute of each other.  Then Monahan scored on a perfect setup play to close out the scoring early in the third.

The Canes ended up going 0-5 with the man advantage while allowing 2-4 on the penalty kill.

Jordan Staal left the game early with an apparent undisclosed injury with about seven minutes left in the game.  At this time, there is no update on his status.

Next up for Carolina will be the Winnipeg Thrashers along with coach Paul Maurice on Friday night.

Game Notes:

• After being outshot the first two periods, the Canes outshot the Flames 15-4 in the third, to no avail.  They ended up with a 29-24 advantage.  Lindholm and Liles led the way with four shots each.
• The Canes may have gotten pushed around a bit in this one and were credited with only seven hits for the game.
• Lindholm also led the way in the faceoff circle winning 7 of 9.  The Canes won 56% for the game.
• Eddie Lack went the distance and allowed the four goals on 24 shots.
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