Flames extend Avs’ woes

The Colorado Avalanche made a game of it Wednesday night, but in the end could not keep pace with the Calgary Flames in a 5-3 loss.

The loss dropped the Avs to 1-6-2 in their nine games.

Michael Frolik had a goal Flames’ win over Avs – file photo court4esy of Lewsi Bleiman

“The effort is there and we’re doing a lot of good things out there,” Colorado forward Gabriel Landeskog said. “Now we have to find ways to win and I think that’s what we’re obviously trying to do every single night. It’s not like we’re not working out there or not trying to win hockey games. It’s just not happening for us right now.”

Five different skaters struck for the Flames including Elias Lindholm, Mikael Backlund, Mark Jankowski, Michael Frolik and Matthew Tkachuk.

“We scored some timely goals,” Mark Giordano said. “Obviously we weren’t as sharp as we would like to, but I thought it was a big win and we scored at the right moments.”

Giordano had three assists in the win.

“He’s *Giordano) been unbelievable for us,” Frolik said. “He’s the leader here, he’s the captain. I think he’s one of the best I’ve ever met. I couldn’t be happier that I have a chance to play with him. He’s been unbelievable, especially this year.”

David Rittich made 32 saves to get the win for Calgary.

“This game was really quick, both sides, doesn’t matter who was on the ice. I like it more than the slower one. But it’s always hard. You’ve got to be quicker than normal then and they’ve got a couple guys who can come with speed and good shots,” Rittich  said after the game.

Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Erik Johnson scored for the Avs.

“It’s tough,” Rantanen said. “When you’re winning everything is fun and it’s fun to come to the rink and work and stuff. A losing streak, or not winning, it’s obviously tougher. There’s a lot of good players in this room and everybody knows it. We just have to find a way to turn it around.”

The loss dropped the Avs to 20-16-8.

The Flames moved to 28-13-4.

[WATCH: All Avalanche vs. Flames highlights]

Semyon Varlamov made 11 saves in the loss.

“I checked the board in the middle of the third and they had 14 shots on goal. I don’t think we gave up a lot of shots. Their power play was better than us. We had four chances and we couldn’t capitalize. They did. They scored [one] on the power play. That makes the difference tonight,” Rantanen said.