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Five observations from Calgary vs St. Louis
1. Slow start proved costly
The Blues entered play having dropped consecutive home games to start the year. They really needed a positive result and it showed early on. Though the Flames managed to score 1st, they were on their heels for the vast majority of the opening frame. They didn't come to play while the Blues, well, did. The latter piled up 13 chances (seven high-danger) and were rewarded with three goals for their efforts. That made the next goal absolutely imperative and the Blues picked it up early in the 2nd. By that point, the game was realistically over. If the Flames don't start on time Saturday, the Avalanche are going to skate them into the ground.
2. Mike Smith needs to stay in his net
Does Smith create the occasional odd-man rush by coming out to play the puck? Yes. Does he save his defenders from taking an extra hit here and there? Yes. You know what else he does by constantly coming out? Throw away multiple possessions per game. Every so often it ends up in the back of the net (like on the eventual game-winning-goal last night). There are benefits to playing the puck – especially in overtime – but Smith really needs to pick his spots better. I believe he is overly aggressive and causes more harm than good with his persistence to come out any time the puck approaches him. The Flames are currently dressing a defense that features five (5) mobile puck movers. Let them do their thing. Please.
3. The top line was caved in
Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and, to a lesser extent, Elias Lindholm had really tough nights. Bill Peters tried to get them going by shaking up the lines. It worked for Lindholm; not for Gaudreau and Monahan.
They played better than 13 minutes together at 5v5 and were absolutely cratered. The Flames generated just one chance during that time and gave up nine (seven high-danger). When the top line gets dominated like that, it's usually not going to end well.
I have no doubt they'll bounce back – they are too good not to – but that was ugly.
4. Getting monkey's off the back
On a positive note, the Flames' best players last night were mostly the ones who have struggled to produce thus far. Derek Ryan and James Neal netted their first goals with the Flames. Dillon Dube picked up his first career point. Sam Bennett pick up an assist, generated three high-danger opportunities, and led the Flames with a +7 on-ice chance differential. Hopefully, this will help kick-start those guys because, to this point, it's once again been the top line doing all the heavy lifting.
5. Enough with Anthony Peluso
The veteran tough guy played 4:23 last night. 4:23. Yes, I know the Flames were trailing most of the game and wanted their offensive guys out there. That is the point. If you're trailing late, he is not of use. If you're leading late, he is not of use. All he brings to the table is physicality and, honestly, it's not very important in today's NHL. Get Mark Jankowski back into the lineup. He is someone who can actually contribute to winning hockey games.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and Corsica.Hockey.
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