Was there ever any doubt?
Well — maybe after the second period concluded with Calgary Flames leading scorer Johnny Gaudreau yet to record a point on the night — perhaps a few fans wondered to themselves:
“Are we really waiting until Thursday to see this?”
The entire team carried that weight through two periods. The players almost seemed to be waiting for Johnny to do something before they could return to their dominant form.
Then, after a series of minor penalties given out, the trio of Tkachuk-Lindholm-Gaudreau as well as Rasmus Andersson got it done in the style they are so well known for.
Johnny slides up to the slot, receives the puck and draws defenders in, then gets it to Tkachuk in his net-side wheelhouse.
One rebound goal later, the Dome is chanting the words “Johnny, Johnny Johnny”.
Queue the floodgates.
Less than two minutes later Mangiapane pots a rebound goal from nearly the same spot as Tkachuk. Ten minutes after that, another powerplay marker and Noah Hanifin’s second point of the night. Six points in his last two games. Chucky tops the comeback with an empty netter for the hat trick.
Chef’s kiss.
Often this space is used to bring up the two Invisible Hands of Hockey — Momentum and Fate. Both were at work yesterday.
A few observations.
American Treasure
The most single season points total by an American on the Calgary Flames is Joe Mullen at 110 points. Gaudreau (so far) has passed Mullen’s other single season record of +51; that being among all nationalities. One has to wonder if Johnny will pass Mullen’s single season point mark. He has nine games to get ten points.
The only other American player to reach 100 points over a season in the last 25 years? He was picked 1st overall in 2007 and plays for the Blackhawks. Patrick Kane.
Speaking of Former College Stars
Matthew Beniers made his NHL debut last night against the Flames and he looked excellent. His pass to Ryan Donato to open the scoring was about as receivable as it gets. His former team, the Michigan Wolves, featured highlights of passes like that all season. Expect more seam passes next time the Flames play the Kraken.
Many Seattle fans expected Mark Giordano to be the first legitimate star to play for the Kraken. Unfortunately, it just didn’t happen. Last night they got their first look at their best player and, very likely, future captain.
Rolling Stone
Take a moment to clear your mouth of food and drink. We don’t want any spot takes here.
Micheal Stone has five points in his last five games.
While his shot is the glue of his offence, he’s shown some great instincts. Yesterday he had a prime opportunity to tee up a classic kill shot on the power play. Instead, he fakes the shot and sends it to Noah Hanifin who blasts it home for Flames goal number four.
Sounds like Oliver Kylington has some competition for that roster spot.
Fatigue in Net
Markstrom got the third period off after allowing two goals on seven shots against in the second. It wasn’t the giant Swede’s night and the players in front of him weren’t playing tight enough to support him. He finished the night .800%. Three goals against in 15 shots.
24 year old Daniel Vladar took over and saved seven of seven shots.
We’ve been seeing some inconsistencies in his game for some time now. Make no mistake, Darryl will be giving Jacob some rest in these final nine games.
Bread Rising
Yesterday it was pointed out that something had to give in regards to Andrew Mangiapane’s goal production. Heading into the game he had one marker in his last 19 games.
A rebound goal at 5:33 into the third period was a good sign. While his skating isn’t back to early season form, it’s good to see him adapt a bit.
Unfortunately, the underlying numbers weren’t as ideal. Going 50% in shot attempts for vs shot attempts against isn’t horrible. Scoring chances were 5-9 for/against though and high danger chances were 1-3. Those numbers have to be better against a basement team.
Which leads us to the final observation.
Shakeup Inbound
Obviously Darryl Sutter thinks the team needed a change after how flat the first two periods were. Check out today’s practice lines.
Gaudreau-Lindholm-Mangiapane
Dube-Backlund-Tkachuk
Coleman-Jarnkrok-Toffoli
Lucic-Carpenter-Lewis
Valimaki-Ruzicka-Ritchie
Hanifin-Andersson
Kylington-Tanev
Zadorov-Gudbranson
Mackey-Stone
Markstrom
Vladar
Gudbranson, Kylington, Carpenter back in. Hanifin-Andersson seem to be the only unchanged line. Tomorrow’s match against the Las Vegas Golden Knights is “must see” hockey. Vegas needs the points and the Flames have the opportunity to bury them. Both Stones are likely to play. Stop in for a preview on what should be an excellent game.
Trevor Neufeld
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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