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Five observations from Calgary vs Nashville:
1. The Flames did not start on time
Quite the opposite, in fact. After consecutive losses where the Flames blew 3rd period leads, you’d think they would have come out with their best effort. Apparently not. They looked completely lifeless and overwhelmed early on, letting an energetic Nashville group skate circles around them. The Predators amassed 14 or 15 shots, several Grade A chances, and a pair of goals before the Flames had even one shot on target. Suffice to say, they were lucky to exit the opening frame down by just a goal.
One would assume a period like that would serve as a wake up call and get the whole team going. It didn’t. The Flames were out-shot 12-5 in the 2nd and gave up two goals – both while on the power play (they were out-chanced 2-1 over three PPs).
A dominant 3rd period helped erase their woes over the first 40 minutes but more often than not that won’t be the case. The Flames have to find a way to cut extended periods where they get completely steamrolled because, right now, it’s happening every game or two. Simply put, they’re not going to be a playoff team playing 20-30 minutes of good hockey per night. They have to show some pushback during the lulls.
2. The fastball is still there
The Flames have played very inconsistent hockey thus far and it is concerning. What’s nice to see, though, is the ceiling is still there. When the Flames are on, they’re truly one of the top teams in the league. They can play with anyone and the 3rd period was a nice reminder of that. From the very start of the frame they went on the attack, hemming the Predators in their own zone shift after shift. They would generate a quality look or two and follow it up by winning the race to a loose puck, or smothering the Predator that collected it, causing a turnover, and doing it all over again. They were relentless.
All told, Calgary managed to out-attempt Nashville 25-12, out-chance them 10-4, and control *checks notes* 72.44% of the Expected Goals. It was a true beat down.
It shouldn’t take 40 lifeless minutes, and a three-goal deficit, to wake the Flames up, but it’s nice to see they can still play at an elite level.
3. Matthew Tkachuk was a boss
I thought he was the best player on the ice from either team (sorry not sorry, Austin Watson). First few shifts aside, the Flames dominated every time he was on the ice. Attempts were 22-10, and chances were 11-3, in favor of Calgary with Tkachuk out there at 5v5. He was the driver of those numbers, too, piling up a team-leading 11 shot contributions. Unsurprisingly, that led to some excellent standard statistics. Tkachuk scored a pair of goals, including a highlight reel in overtime, picked up the primary assist on another, and led the game with six individual scoring chances.
4. Sean Monahan showed a pulse
Monahan has certainly not played his best hockey of late. Bill Peters elected to give him another opportunity on the top line, anyway, and he took full advantage. Monahan finished 2nd on the team in shot assists (6) at 5v5, recorded three actual assists across all game states, and was able to generate a few quality chances himself. He didn’t slow the line down. Plays didn’t die on his stick. He *looked* good, too. If that’s the Monahan we see on a more consistent basis, he won’t be getting dropped in the lineup.
5. Rasmus Andersson was excellent
He’s another guy who, after a sluggish start, really stood out to me. Andersson made good outlets, was not afraid to carry the mail when lanes were available to him, and consistently jumped into the play to create extra layers of offense. It paid off early in the 3rd when he scored to get the comeback train going. On top of netting a goal, he led all Flames defenders with three shot assists. He helped create for others. The +5 on-ice chance differential, which led Flames d-men, is nice as well.
Shot Contributions
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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