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This season has been nothing short of a disaster for the Calgary Flames but they have been playing better of late registering five wins in their last nine games.
That's nothing to write home about but the Flames won just two of their first 11 games so they are heading in the right direction.
Some thoughts on what we've seen to date and a little rumor involving the Flames:
1) David Jones has been on the receiving end of a lot of praise recently and deservedly so. In a day and age where scoring is at a premium - especially at full-strength - Jones has had no problem filling the net having scored six 5 vs 5 goals this season.
A comprehensive list of those who have more: Alex Steen, Alex Ovechkin, Joe Pavelski, Oscar Lindberg, Vladimir Tarasenko and Mats Zuccarello.
That's some pretty decent company, I think.
2) I think it's time to start giving Michael Frolik some serious credit for what he's been able to accomplish this season.
In terms of counting numbers he has 12 points in 20 games. What is really impressive is not his point totals but where he's producing.
At 5 vs 5 Frolik has 11 points, which ties him for 14th in the NHL in that regard. His 2.40 points per 60 minutes at 5 vs 5 is good for 26th in the NHL.
He's producing points at a top line rate in that game state and the Flames have been a dramatically better team with him on the ice.
View post on imgur.com
I'm thinking he's worth the $4.3 million per.
3) How bad was Calgary's goaltending to start the season?
So bad that, despite Karri Ramo posting a .900SV% or better in five of his last seven starts, the Flames are still 30th in the NHL with an .891 save percentage at 5 vs 5.
4) New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamoinc is looking for a trade - preferably to a Western Canadian team - due to personal reasons,
according to Elliotte Friedman.
The Islanders are doing their best to oblige his wishes but they would like a similar caliber defenseman in return, not just a futures.
That's why I don't think the Flames are a fit. Mark Giordano isn't going anywhere, Dougie Hamilton isn't going anywhere, T.J. Brodie isn't going anywhere and neither Dennis Wideman or Kris Russell have anywhere close to the value that Harmonic does.
Look for Hamonic to land elsewhere if and when the Isles trade him.
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