Is Thursday becoming the night of mixed blessings?
OK, two instances - one that can still go the other way - fail to really make a “pattern,” but the Calgary Flames are feeling the Tampa Bay Lightning’s pain right now.
While the Bolts lost three forwards to injury in cruising to a win against the Minnesota Wild, the Flames are likely less focused on their 4-0 lead against the Montreal Canadiens than they are two worrisome issues for their defensemen.
Dougie Hamilton’s night has already been confirmed to be finished thanks to an awkward-looking lower-body injury from the second period. Recent trade acquisition Michael Stone took a very labored exit from the ice during the final frame, however, giving the impression that he might have suffered a shoulder/upper-body injury.
The Flames lead 4-0 as of this writing, but even if they manage to win, this could be a costly game for Calgary. Montreal might not feel a ton of sympathy after Carey Price missed the game thanks to flu symptoms.
Update: Calgary won 5-0, extending its winning streak to eight games and putting the Flames a stride or two behind the races for second and third in the Pacific.
#Flames win 5-0, tie longest win streak in 37 years since moving north from Atlanta.
— Wes Gilbertson (@WesGilbertson) March 10, 2017