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1) A few weeks ago when the Calgary Flames were winning games on a torrid pace I noted, for the most part, they were being outplayed at 5v5 and the wins wouldn't continue to pile up if they didn't improve.
The Flames cooled off a little bit, but have still managed to win more often than they lose them. A big reason for that is improved 5v5 play, to go with their excellent special teams units.
Over the last 10 games, the Flames have controlled better than 50% of the shot attempts and scoring chances at 5v5. The differences aren't large, but if they can play even at full-strength and defer to their steadily improving special teams they should be in good shape.
Despite the improving numbers at 5v5, the Flames have a minus-5 goal differential in that game state over the last 10 games. A big reason for that is goaltending. At 5v5, Brian Elliott/Chad Johnson have stopped just .905% of the shots they have faced in that span.
When their save percentages inevitably go up -- they're a much better tandem than those numbers suggest -- the wins should increase if the Flames continue to play like they have of late.
Given their soft upcoming schedule (the next four games are against non playoff teams, and seven of the next 10 are at home) I don't think that'll be a problem.
2) Johnson's last four appearances: 0-4-0, .862 save percentage.
Elliott's last six appearances: 4-0-0, .920 save percentage.
I'm thinking it's time to give Elliott a bit of a run here. When he falters they can go back to Johnson. The Flames have the luxury of two good goaltenders and chances are one of them will be going at pretty much all times. Take advantage of that and ride the hot hand.
3) I know I talk about the schedule a lot, but it really is important for the Flames to take advantage of this soft spot and bank as many points as possible.
Doing so would help them survive any possible injuries. It would also give them some breathing room down the stretch, which they may just need.
Their final 11 games: LAK x 3, SJ x 2, ANA x 2, WSH x 1, STL x 1, NSH x 1 and COL x 1. Nine of 11 games are against current playoff teams, and one that isn't (Nashville) is still very good. I doubt the Flames are going to go on a big winning streak through that stretch, so they need to get points now.
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