Anyone catching last night’s game between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Calgary Flames has to be looking forward to the January 7 rematch. Despite the poor result, this game and the 2-1 overtime loss to the Leafs have been the most entertaining Flames games of the year. That is if tight checking games between two highly skilled rosters are what you like to watch.
Here are some ongoing stories during or following this game.
Bottom pairing
While credit for the heavy lifting goes to the first two pairings, the pairing of Gudbranson-Zadorov managed to keep their head above water. The two averaged a respectable 14:36 at five on five between each other and found a way to avoid being scored against.
A theory involving this pair. Both of them played a much more violent game during preseason. Zadorov threw a massive hit in almost every preseason match he dressed for. Once playoffs get going and the whistles go away — look out. It could be that Darryl Sutter wants to condition some responsible hockey into them before things get nasty in May.
On the unit of Mangiapane-Backlund-Coleman
Once again this unit struggled. Whether it’s Backlund nursing an injury or the combination of these players just failing to find chemistry, one has to wonder if Sutter will break these three up in the future. Mangiapane deserves to be in a position to get more puck support.
Given the refs have been turning a blind eye to Mangiapane taking a beating somewhat regularly lately — and given the fact that Milan Lucic has been heating up lately — maybe the two should get a look on the same line.
Tkachuk snake bit
Matthew has to be losing sleep over the result last night. He had a handful of “how did that not go in?” chances. As a player that many, including myself, consider to be Calgary’s future Captain; he needs to find a way to finish on those opportunities on a more consistent basis.
Outplaying the Hurricanes
It’s not really fair to say the Hurricanes outplayed the Flames last night. They didn’t. If the Flames capitalized on any of the handful of opportunities to put the puck in the net after already beating Andersen then this game would be done in regulation. You’d have to watch the game to truly understand how close so many of those chances were.
That said, the stats do provide a bit of a picture. Data courtesy of naturalstattrick.com.
Here is a look at where both teams were shooting from:
A look at the “shot attempts for(Corsi)” count and percentage the Flames had between both teams across three periods and overtime:
Then here is scoring chances for/against and high danger chances for/against:
The statistics lean towards the Flames other than a strong second period for the Hurricanes.
Potential Acquisition: Brandon Tanev LW
Age: 29
Cap Hit: 3.5 million for three years after this season
26GP 8G 5A 13Pts
Is he a bit overpaid? Yes. Do the Flames need another left winger? No. Would it be an issue to find cap room for him after everyone is re-signed this offseason? Absolutely.
There are plenty of reasons the brother of Chris Tanev would be a tough add to justify. From a business perspective, it doesn’t make a lot of sense.
From a coaching perspective? He’s a no brainer. Tanev is a corner battle machine and deserves to have a higher point total this season. He fears no one and has “Sutter Hockey” written all over him. While his cap hit may be a headache to think about, he would quickly earn a spot in Flames fan’s hearts. With his physicality and speed: Brandon Tanev’s style is one that translates well in the playoffs.
Tough result, great game for the Flames. It was nice to hear the crowd getting chants going as play went on. Next up is the Bruins tomorrow at 8pm MST. They’re headed down from Edmonton after handing the Oilers their fourth straight loss.
Trevor Neufeld
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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