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Coyotes clobber Flames, who flub chance to regain playoff position

Calgary Flames v Arizona Coyotes

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 08: Head coach Glen Gulutzan of the Calgary Flames looks down the bench during the third period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 8, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Flames defeated the Coyotes 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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The Calgary Flames came into their bye week with wins in four of five games, with three coming beyond regulation. Did that five-day break extinguish that momentum?

That’s a question for those who want to bat around such semantic debates, but the bottom line is that the Flames suffered a rough loss on Monday, dropping a 5-0 loss to the Arizona Coyotes.

The Flames fired 19 shots on goal to nine for Arizona in the first period, but Martin Hanzal scored the only goal of the opening frame. Mike Smith had a great game, posing a 36-save shutout, his second goose egg of 2016-17.

Christian Dvorak did just about everything except managing a hat trick in this one, settling instead for two goals and an assist. Ryan White also enjoyed a nice game, collecting a goal and an assist.

It’s one of the Flames’ worst losses of the season, and it’s also a squandered opportunity to climb into the West’s top eight.

West wild card races

Predators - 62 points in 56 games
Kings - 60 points in 55 games

Flames - 59 points in 57 games
Canucks - 56 points in 56 games
Stars - 54 points in 57 games
Jets - 54 points in 58 games

The Flames don’t have much time to sulk about this letdown. After Wednesday’s home game against the Flyers, the Flames embark on a five-game road trip.

Stretches like those can make things go sideways, so the Flames have to let this one go, as much as it likely stings.

And the Coyotes? Well, teams might want to start taking them seriously as “spoilers” going forward.