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The Calgary Flames finally appear to be finding their footing.
After winning just two of their first 11 games the Flames have won six of their last 10 and are slowly starting to gain ground in what has proven to be a terrible Pacific Division.
Some thoughts on their recent success and why they've been having it:
1) The goaltending has been much better of late but I think the play of T.J. Brodie since returning to the lineup is as big of a factor as any for Calgary's improved play.
Despite logging a ton of heavy minutes against top competition the Flames have enjoyed significantly more success with Brodie on the ice than on the bench by all meaningful measurements.
Whether it be shot attempts, scoring chances or goals the Flames have been better with Brodie on the ice at 5 vs 5.
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It's certainly no coincidence the wins have come more frequently since No. 7 returned from injury. He's incredible.
2)
I recently touched on Michael Frolik's dominance at full-strength but I came across another noteworthy statistic.
Among 709 eligible players Frolik ranks 13th in the NHL with 50 individual scoring chances at 5 vs 5. Some of the many names he's ahead of in that regard: John Tavares, Phil Kessel, Sidney Crosby, Joe Pavelski, Nathan MacKinnon, Claude Giroux and Jamie Benn, among others.
Frolik hasn't been given much recognition but he's playing excellent hockey.
3) Karri Ramo's play has been more than adequate over the last few weeks as he has posted a .900 save percentage in six of his last eight starts and has looked pretty good doing it. Despite that the Flames still sit 30th with an .895 team save percentage at 5 vs 5. That puts in perspective just how terrible the Flames' goaltending was to start the season.
4) I don't like to pile on when someone isn't playing well but I feel like I have to touch on Dennis Wideman's poor play. He's been a disaster in his own zone for much of the season regardless of competition and he's yet to score in 21 games. The Flames probably should have moved him in the off-season when his value was sky high coming off a 15-goal, 56-point campaign.
Recent posts:
Flames turn the tables with win over Blackhawks
On Jones, Frolik, Hamonic & more
Flames continue home cooking with win over Devils
One And Done
Monahan leads Flames past Capitals in overtime
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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