The Calgary Flames' momentum from a 5-0-0 start to the season has evaporated, and defenseman Rasmus Andersson said Monday's 5-0 shellacking at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights was the low point.
"Obviously they're a good team, but that was not acceptable," Andersson said. "The second and third period was not acceptable and it's not to our standard. It can't look like that, that's for sure."
The loss was Calgary's fourth in five games, and the contest was never particularly close. The Flames managed only 16 shots, while the Golden Knights controlled 70.38% of expected goals at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.
The Flames trailed 2-0 heading into the third period and then gave up two goals to Keegan Kolesar and one to Nicolas Roy in the final frame. Andersson lamented letting Vegas' depth players take over the night.
"No offense, but they probably have the best line in hockey right now, right?" he said. "The first line, we gave them one. Then, as I said, no offense but their third and fourth line scored, what, three goals?"
The Flames have been outscored 19-10 during their current skid. Even though the losses have piled up, Andersson expects his teammates to put in appropriate effort.
"Even if you don't have it, you can still battle," he said.
Calgary's next contest comes Wednesday against Utah Hockey Club.