Elliott shoulders blame for Flames' Game 3 collapse

The Calgary Flames squandered a major opportunity to gain life in their first-round series versus the Anaheim Ducks in Game 3 on Monday, letting a 4-1 lead slip away in regulation before losing in overtime.

Flames goaltender Brian Elliott, who said Calgary handed Anaheim a win in Game 1, put the blame solely on himself this time around.

"I have to own that, Elliott told TSN's Jermain Franklin. "The guys spotted four goals and we should win a game like that."

The Flames were up by three goals with under a minute to play in the second period, but Shea Theodore scored twice and Nate Thompson once to force extra time. Then, just 1:30 into overtime, Corey Perry gave Anaheim a 3-0 series lead.

"You want to help the team more than you hurt it and it's tough to swallow right now," Elliott said.

Calgary has lost all three games by a single goal, and will aim to avoid a sweep Wednesday night.