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Calgary Flames 2019-20 player profile: Mark Giordano

August 17, 2019, 10:45 AM ET [8 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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With next to nothing happening in the hockey world this month, I thought this would be as good of a time as any to profile members of the Calgary Flames.

I'll be commenting on their performances last season as well as projected role and expectations moving forward. I've profiled six Flames thus far, with Derek Ryan being the most recent.

Today we're going to take a closer look at Mark Giordano.

Counting stats: 78 games played, 74 points (17 goals, 57 assists), 24:14 average time on ice

5v5 underlyings: 1.80 points/60, +5.17 CF% Rel, +9.16 GF% Rel, +4.17 xGF% Rel, 101.90 PDO

2018-19 review: It's not an exaggeration to say Mark Giordano was the perfect defenseman last season. He provided the Flames with everything they possibly could have wanted and more. He averaged nearly a point per game, was extremely efficient at 5v5, generated shots and chances in bunches, played fantastic defense against opposing team's top players, drove possession, was dangerous on the PK...you get it.

It was one of the best seasons I've seen from a defenseman, which might have something to do with him being the first member of the Flames to win a Norris Trophy.

Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm, Matthew Tkachuk and co. all put together spectacular campaigns as well but I don't think it's a stretch to say Giordano was the team's best, and most consistent, player throughout.

Fun fact: Giordano averaged 1.80 points per 60 at 5v5, which was the most from a defenseman since Brent Burns registered 2.08(!) back in 2013-14.

2019-20 outlook: I think we're going to see a dip in production from Giordano. No, not because he's up there in age. Because *a lot* has to go right to produce 70+ points, and I'm not sure I'd bet on certain things happening again. For example, Giordano recorded a point on 50% of Calgary's 5v5 goals he was on the ice for. He finished with an IPP above 40% only three times in 10 years prior to last so 50%+ again in 2019-20 seems unlikely. Giordano also recorded 12 more secondary assists (32 total) last season than in any other year. Again, he's probably not going to repeat that. I expect him to play, and exceed, playing the same role, but something in the 50 point range seems a lot more likely than 70+ again.

numbers via naturalstattrick.com and hockey-reference.com

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