On Monday morning, the Calgary Flames postponed all games through at least December 16th due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The NHL announced the postponement through their PR Twitter account.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: @NHLFlames games postponed at least through December 16. https://t.co/F4ArYpFFPh pic.twitter.com/c34OrnpIqM
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 13, 2021
Calgary Flames Games Postponed Due to COVID-19
The announcement from the league came after one staff member and six players from the Flames were placed in COVID-19 protocol in 24 hours. The players in protocol, according to the team, are Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Adam Ruzicka, Chris Tanev, Brad Richardson, and Nikita Zadorov.
Impact On The Flames
The Flames will have three games postponed due to the league’s decision. The games include their back-to-back against the Chicago Blackhawks and the Nashville Predators on Monday and Tuesday, as well as their Thursday home game against the TorontoMaple Leafs.
As per league guidelines, the Flames’ facility will remain closed to staff and players until the team is given the green light to resume activities from the NHL. If the league deems the outbreak under control, Calgary’s next game will be Saturday, December 18th against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Saddledome.
The Flames have been one of the NHL’s early surprises. They started the season red-hot, racking up wins and battling with Alberta rival Edmonton Oilers for the Pacific division lead. However, the Flames had cooled of late. At the time of the postponement, Calgary was battling through a four-game losing streak. They had also ceded the division lead to the equally surprising Anaheim Ducks.
The Bigger Picture
Calgary becomes the third team to have games postponed due to COVID-19, joining the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders. The NHL has yet to announce make-up dates for the postponed games.
This latest outbreak comes at a terrible time. Serious doubt is being cast on the ability of NHL players to compete in the Winter Olympics. Olympic participation is largely in the player’s hands. However, the NHL can pull the plug if the league deems COVID-19 postponements impact the ability to complete the season. If this were to happen, the NHL would instead use the Olympic break to schedule make-up games. The NHL and NHLPA have a self-imposed deadline of January 10, 2022, to back out of Olympic participation.
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