The Flames lost 5-2 to the Edmonton Oilers last night to open their season. While the score wasn't encouraging — the game could have had a different result with a bit better luck. The Flames outshot the Oilers 47-32 and posted a Corsi of 63% at 5-on-5 and 60% across the game overall. While I think Corsi should be taken with a grain of salt — most teams don’t post a Corsi of 38% and win the game 5-2. Here is a shot map of each team’s 5-on-5 play. Map and advanced stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.
Here are a few observations:
Penalty mess
The refs had a tough game. The Flames had to stand up for their goalie a few times. Things were getting out of control to the point where Kassian threw a hit to the numbers on Sean Monahan and Zadorov had to push Kassian half into the Flames bench for the refs to hand out offsetting roughing calls. Monahan was skating much slower after that hit. The Flames were sunk on the PK from various instances to total two goals, which took the game from 1-0 to 3-0 Oilers.
Mangiapane poised for a breakout
Easily the Flames best player last night. He generated so much offence with his speed. If he finishes on even one of his breakaways last night the momentum is completely different.
Smith gets an A+
Two goals against on 47 shots. Cheers to the former Flame. There were a few deflections in particular that few other goalies could save. At the ripe age of 39, he’s playing as well as he ever has.
Zadorov and Kassian don't like each other
These two were beaking each other all game. If Kassian didn't hurt his head recently — they may have fought. Expect this to develop as the season progresses.
McDavid is too much
Three goals. The guy loves to beat Calgary. Let's not talk about it.
Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk
This line generated some quality chances, but they didn't seem as sharp to start out as they had been in preseason. A week off is tough on offensive momentum. They got it going as the game went on and eventually got a goal on the powerplay to make it 3-2 Oilers. It's impressive that Tkachuk only got an assist - he had a whopping nine shots on the night. That assist was a beautiful pass out to Lindholm out front from behind the net. Gaudreau needs to be skating better for this line to really click.
Dube-Monahan-Mangiapane
This unit has an interesting dynamic. The two wingers were creating a ton of space with their speed. Mangiapane was Calgary's most dangerous forward despite Tkachuk's impressive statistics. He missed on a short handed breakaway and barely missed the pass on a 2-on-1 with Gaudreau. He caught quite a few passes at full speed to take the blue line. He was causing chaos in the neutral zone all game.
Lucic-Backlund-Lewis
Lucic and Backlund generated several chances, but had nothing to show for it. Lewis underwhelmed, but at least played a physical game. He finished the night with four hits in 14:33 of play including a massive hit on Slater Koekkoek in the third period.
Gawdin-Ritchie
Another. Another bad early game penalty for Glenn Gawdin. He looks good on the ice, but that habit has to be getting old in the eyes of coaching and management. Ritchie deserves to be playing higher up in the lineup. He's been playing an accountable game while bringing some physicality to the table. He only played 9:12 last night.
Hanifin-Andersson
Hanifin is looking much better in front of his own net this year. A good sign given net front management has been an area of weakness for the 24 year old defenceman. Andersson looked sharp, but didn't play to his potential last night.
Zadorov-Tanev
Tanev looked great last night. He was quick on his feet and almost set up Lucic in the slot in the first. Zadorov had a wild night. Him sticking up for Sean Monahan was a plus. His defensive play was pretty bad though.
Kylington-Gudbranson
Kylington barely played last night. 3:27 in ice time. He did have a nice drive up the ice on his own, and later carried the puck through the offensive zone. Sutter pointed out late last season that Kylington needs to play a more heads up game and use his teammates better. Seems like this is still an issue. His last shift was at 12:59 of the second. Gudbranson made his presence known both out front and in the corners. He actually took the zone with speed and set up Mangiapane at the beginning of the play that led to the Flames first goal.
Valimaki
Valimaki and Kylington shared the spot on Gudbranson's pairing. Sutter was clearly more satisfied with Valimaki's body of work as he played 12:03 of ice time. His game looked shaky still.
Markstrom
Markstrom got lit up by quality chances. Despite his .875 save percentage — Markstrom played well last night.
The Flames play their home opener against the Anaheim Ducks tomorrow at 7:30 Calgary time.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Trevor Neufeld
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»