Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Flames respond with needed win over Predators

February 16, 2018, 12:23 PM ET [62 Comments]
Todd Cordell
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

Five observations from Calgary vs Nashville:

1. The Flames showed up

The Flames played 10-15 quality minutes in Boston before mailing it in and relying on David Rittich to do the rest. That's not a winning recipe, especially against good teams.

I wouldn't say they played a full 60 in Nashville – they were really on their heels down the stretch – but the level of play was miles ahead of where it was in Boston.

They out-chanced the Predators (28-20) and there was actually some pushback throughout the game when the latter put together a few good shifts. The Flames didn't just fold. They kept playing.

Kyle Turris missing the game certainly helped the cause but the Preds are an excellent team even without him. For the Flames to go in that environment and legitimately out-play the Preds is very encouraging.

It's games like last night's that make people (myself included) believe the Flames could be a tough out come playoff time should they get in.

2. The power play was...good?

Nashville entered last night's game having taken the 2nd most penalties and the most on a per game basis. Discipline has been a huge issue for them all season long and is probably their biggest weakness.

They were surprisingly disciplined last night taking only three penalties but, in a shocking turn of events, the Flames didn't need many opportunities to convert. Crazy, I know.

Matthew Tkachuk banged one in on the doorstep (what else is new?) to get things tied up prior to the 1st intermission and Dougie Hamilton scored on a laser in the 2nd to once again even things up.

I'm no expert but two goals in 2:18 of time up a man seems pretty good. More of this, please.

3. David Rittich stood out again

On the surface, stopping 29 of 32 shots for a .906 save percentage is not all that impressive. In fact, it can statistically be considered a below league average start.

Rittich was really good, though. It's one of those cases where the good old eye-test comes in handy.

The Predators really came on down the stretch and peppered Rittich with shots. Quality ones, too. One-timers, shots through traffic, shots in the slot, the whole nine yards.

Rittich never looked overwhelmed and came up with several huge stops to ensure the Flames didn't let another lead slip away.

As far as I'm concerned, he's been a season saver. If he gave the Flames the kind of goaltending Eddie Lack did early in the season they'd be nowhere close to a playoff spot.

4. Another encouraging night for the 3rd line

The Sam Bennett - Mark Jankowski duo, in particular, is either really good or really bad. There's no in between.

Luckily for the Flames, really good has been the answer of late.

They created some chances in tight, hit a trailing Brett Kulak for a good one off the rush, and Mark Jankowski converted on a goal himself.

Glen Gulutzan rotating in Matthew Tkachuk for a couple extra shifts once again paid off as the Flames out-chanced the Preds 2-0 in two minutes and, of course, the goal was scored with Tkachuk on that line.

5. 11 and 7

One thing I'd really like to see the Flames try out prior to the deadline: dressing 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

All signs suggest Rasmus Andersson is ready for an extended look. Recall him, dress seven defensemen, and take out someone like Ryan Lomberg, who played fewer than five minutes last night.

That would allow the Flames to a) evaluate Andersson without putting too much on his plate; b) trim the ridiculous workload T.J. Brodie is carrying and; c) allow the Flames to get their top forwards an extra couple shifts away from top competition.

I think, say, 12 minutes of Andersson would be a lot better than the six minutes and change Lomberg is playing on a bad 4th line.

Recent posts:

Flames completely overmatched in loss to Bruins

Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland line has been one of league's best this season
Join the Discussion: » 62 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Todd Cordell
» Three negatives from the Calgary Flames' 2020-21 campaign
» Three positives from the Calgary Flames' 2020-21 season
» Calgary Flames notes - May 19th
» Three things I'd like to see from the Calgary Flames down the stretch
» G52 Calgary Flames vs Ottawa Senators: Low-danger hockey