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Five observations from Calgary vs Toronto:
1. The score is deceiving
A lot of observers use games like last night's as measuring sticks to gauge just how ready a team is to contend. Players and coaches do too. That's why, on first glance, a 6-2 loss on home ice is really unsettling – especially with the deadline passed, and no time to add help.
When you dig beneath the surface, the game really wasn't as alarming as the score suggests. Now, I'm not going to sit here and tell you the Flames played a flawless game. They didn't. The Maple Leafs did control play in stretches. There were some glaring defensive breakdowns, too. But there was also plenty of good.
As expected, a lot of the game was spent at 5v5. Nearly 57 minutes – 56:49, to be exact. The Flames controlled 58% of the attempts and 55% of the chances in that time. They generated plenty of great looks around Frederik Andersen. Simply put, he was dialed in and David Rittich wasn't.
2. Depth forwards stepped up
Earlier in the year, Calgary's bottom-6 was somewhat of a concern. The tables have turned and it is now a strength. That's been the case for a while now – seemingly since James Neal went down with an injury.
They continue to forecheck hard, generate chances, and drive play regardless of how strong the opposing team is. That was the case again vs Toronto, as both trios controlled at least 64% of the attempts while accounting for the only 5v5 goal Calgary scored.
3. T.J. Brodie had a tough night
He stood out on a few occasions. Unfortunately, for the wrong reasons. There were some costly blown coverages in the defensive zone and he certainly didn't bring enough to the table offensively to make up for it.
His on-ice numbers (54 CF%, 52 SCF%, even goal differential) at 5v5 were perfectly fine, especially for a blowout loss. I just don't think he contributed to much of the positive, and the same can't be said about the negative.
Everyone has tough nights, I know, but they seem to be happening more often for Brodie of late. I can't help but wonder if Rasmus Andersson is going to end up playing more with Mark Giordano down the stretch and, potentially, the playoffs. The early returns (56 CF%, 57 SCF%, +9 goal differential) suggest Andersson can handle himself alongside Giordano.
4. Stick with David Rittich
Last night sucked. I'm not going to argue otherwise. What I will say is that Rittich has clearly been the better goaltender this season (he owns a .932 save percentage at 5v5, Mike Smith sits at .904) and his workload should reflect that moving forward.
Both goaltenders will play some games down the stretch, of course, but I'd be giving Rittich more starts to make sure he is on track and ready to go in the middle of April. His ceiling is higher and he gives the Flames the best chance to win. They can't keep forcing it with Smith and then pulling the plug on Rittich if he has an off night – against an elite offense, at that – when he finally gets back into the net.
5. Rasmus Andersson is shooting more
Sportsnet's broadcasts have often talked about how Andersson doesn't use his underrated shot enough (I agree – I saw a lot of it in Barrie) and that the coaching staff wants to see more of it. They're finally getting their wish.
After a season-high six shot attempt night against Minnesota, Andersson took it up another notch putting seven pucks towards the net vs Toronto. For perspective, he only reached even five attempts five times in 61 games prior.
Keep on shooting, Rasmus.
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