from Eric Francis of Sportsnet,
It was the beatdown the Calgary Flames had coming to them.
The beatdown they probably deserved.
Two games in the making, a 9-1 spanking by Sid and his kids brought to light just how bad the Flames have been defensively of late.
Coming off a two-game roadie in which they allowed 85 shots on goal, the Flames finally ran out of goaltending miracles to lose by the biggest margin at home in 18 years.
After David Rittich made 44 saves to steal a win at MSG Sunday, the players called a meeting to discuss how unacceptable their play was defensively.
Two nights later, in Montreal, it got worse.
Then came the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team as opportunistic as they come – a team that rarely turns down a chance to exploit the shortfalls of an opponent.
And, boy, is it clear the Flames have plenty of ’em.
"I think everyone realizes we’re not good enough right now, me included. Not even close," said a seething Mike Smith, who was mercifully yanked midway through the game after allowing six goals on 21 shots.
Game highlights are below.
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