It's a running gag that's not funny.
In the last few outings in their four-game losing skid, the Flames have had a golden powerplay chance to draw even.
Like clockwork, they didn't score.
In fact, in the middle of the third period of yesterday's 2-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, they didn't even generate a shot on goal with the man advantage.
Calgary's success on the powerplay puts them among the top half of the league, but it's certainly time to go back to the drawing board.
"We are going to have to work on two things that will make our powerplay more successful. One is structure of it, and two is we have to work on our work," head coach Mike Keenan said.
"When you have the man advantage, you know penalty-killers are going to work very hard ... When you have penalty-killing units that work that hard, then you have to work on your work."
Calgary's powerplay is on a 1-for-14 dip.
In yesterday's clash with the Ducks, four powerplay chances resulted in only four shots on goal.
There are easy problems to spot. Gaining possession in the offensive zone is a major issue. Creating traffic in front of the net is another. Passes are being intercepted, shots are being blocked.
"It's up to us to correct it when it starts to get that way," said left-winger Todd Bertuzzi. "It's being poised and making the right decision. It's not rocket science, it's the powerplay, and we've all been on the powerplay before and know how to do it.
"It's a matter of going to work harder and getting it done."
