The Calgary Flames' hopes for a fresh start in the new year are fading fast after a third consecutive loss to open January 2026. The team was defeated 4-1 by the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Wednesday night, a result that highlighted their ongoing struggles.
A Game Decided in Five Minutes
The contest turned decisively in the middle frame. The host Canadiens scored three times in a rapid five-minute span during the second period, effectively putting the game out of reach for a Flames squad that now sits 30th in the NHL with a .465 points percentage.
Winger Joel Farabee, who scored Calgary's only goal, acknowledged the team's recent dip. "I think we've lost it maybe just a little bit these last couple of games," Farabee said post-game. "This is a tough road-trip, so I think we just have to flush it." The Flames hurried to Boston after the game to face the Bruins on Thursday, hoping to avoid their first four-game losing streak since a difficult October.
Frustration Mounts for Kadri
Veteran centre Nazem Kadri endured a particularly frustrating evening. His night encapsulated the team's misfortune. During Montreal's second-period onslaught, Kadri was visibly upset after being hauled down in his own zone with no penalty called. To add insult to injury, the player who tripped him, rookie Oliver Kapanen, scored on the ensuing play to make it 3-0.
Kadri's woes continued into the third period. He thought he had snapped an eight-game goal drought with a slick far-side shot past Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler, but the goal was wiped out after a successful offside challenge by Montreal. The disallowed marker extended his personal scoring slump.
In a search for answers, head coach Ryan Huska reunited Kadri with former linemate Jonathan Huberdeau, a pairing that showed some late promise with Joel Farabee. "That's something that I'm sure we'll look at and potentially leave together for tomorrow," Huska noted.
Silver Linings in Rookie Milestones
Amid the defeat, two young Flames celebrated personal milestones. Forward William Stromgren played in his first NHL game, while defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz recorded his first career point with an assist. These bright spots offered a glimpse of the future for a team that is clearly in a rebuilding phase, but did little to ease the sting of another loss on the scoreboard.
The Flames now face a quick turnaround and a formidable challenge in Boston, needing a win to halt their slide and rediscover the form that brought them success at the tail end of 2025.
