Quinn Hughes absence felt, costly defensive lapse, and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks lost 3-1 to Calgary Flames

The Vancouver Canucks ended 2024, losing 3-1 to the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. With the loss, the Canuks extended their current skid to two games, going 3-3-4 in their last 10 games.

Nazem Kadri got the game-winner for the Flames, with Connor Zary and Jonathan Huberdeau adding the others for Calgary. Brock Boeser got a power play goal for the Canucks.

So, let’s take a look at the three main reasons why the Canucks lost 3-1 to the Flames on New Year’s Eve.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks lost to Calgary Flames

#3 Second period brawls

The Canucks were involved in two separate brawls with Ryan Lomberg during the second period. First, Lomberg dropped the gloves with Erik Brannstrom, setting off plenty of fireworks.

Then, Lomberg went at it again versus Derek Forbort. The second bout didn’t last nearly as long as the Lomborg promptly tackled Forbort to the ice.

But beyond that, the period was filled with roughing calls, as J.T. Miller and Kevin Bahl each received roughing calls following the Lomberg-Brannstrom tilt.

At one point, the Canucks had to kill off a two-man advantage for the Flames. While the Canucks did an excellent job, even getting a shorthanded scoring opportunity from Nils Hoglander, the fact is that the messy second period disrupted the Canucks’ momentum.

Ultimately, the Flames were fortunate to get out of the second with a tie game. However, had the second period not been so disruptive, there’s a chance Vancouver could have headed to the dressing room with the lead after 40 minutes.

#2 A costly defensive lapse

The Flames made the Canucks pay for a costly defensive lapse early in the third. During the sequence, Flames’ defenseman MacKenzie Weegar takes the puck in his own zone, patiently waiting for an opening.

Then, Weegar fired a quick pass that led to a 3-on-2 rush. At that point, the three Canucks forwards were caught puck-watching as no one picked up Nazem Kadri. Kadri stepped into the high slot, took a nifty feed, and buried the puck home for the game-winner.

The half-hearted effort on the backcheck ended up costing the Canucks two crucial points, particularly against a division rival.

#1 Quinn Hughes’ absence felt

The Canucks played without their captain Quinn Hughes for the second-straight game. The Canucks lacked his leadership, offensive skills and stability on the back end.

With Hughes reportedly out week-to-week, there hasn’t seemed to be a clear candidate to step up into the leadership position on the blue line.

Perhaps heading into the new year, the team will rally and look to fill the leadership void on the ice. The Canucks will be back on the ice on Thursday as they take on the Seattle Kraken.