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Five observations from Calgary vs Arizona:
1. The Flames took care of business
The Flames are as desperate for points as the Coyotes are for losses (#FallinForDahlin) and have a much better roster. When those two sides meet, you expect the Flames to win regardless of playing circumstances – such as a road back-to-back.
They did that last night. Despite leading for more than 45 minutes – it's easy to sit back and have the came taken to you while up – the Flames managed to win the high-danger chance battle 23-15 and it always felt like they had a firm grip on the game.
Sometimes games go exactly as they should. This was one of those times.
2. How about this power play?!?
The power play is finally starting to look as good as you'd expect given the personnel on it. The puck movement is sharp, they're generating lots of shots and chances, and Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk continue to clean up anything and everything around the net.
I don't think it's a coincidence the top unit started heating up when Dougie Hamilton was moved up. He is the best offensive facilitator they have on the back end and it's showing.
3. Sam Bennett looked good
This kid really is something. When he's off, he floats around doing a whole lot of nothing and doesn't even look invested in the game. When he's on, it's easy to see why he was destroyed the OHL and was selected 4th overall in the draft. Right now, thankfully, he is the latter.
With Michael Ferland struggling, and outright injured, Bennett was given a look on the top line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. He certainly made the most of it.
He finished the game with a goal and an assist to go along with team-highs in scoring chances (4) and shot attempts (8). He also led the team in Corsi For% and didn't look at all out of place on the top unit.
A lot of guys can look good playing with Gaudreau and Monahan and a lot of guys can look good playing vs the Coyotes. It's still encouraging to see that kind of performance, though.
4. The showcase went well
The Flames aren't exactly overflowing with draft picks – quite the opposite, actually – so there's been a lot of talk Jon Gillies could be involved in a deal to help the Flames add another winger.
With David Rittich playing, and struggling, the night before, Gillies was forced into action and I think he showcased himself nicely.
He looked a little antsy early, and was maybe too keen on playing the puck, but was strong other than that.
The competition wasn't exactly stiff but he faced 37 NHL shots and stopped 35 of them. That's a good night for anyone – let alone a guy making his second NHL start.
His performance was a win for all involved. He helped the Flames pick up a much needed two points and perhaps improve his value a little bit. Mike Smith is the starter moving forward, and Rittich seems to have grabbed the backup job, so a trade could help him get to the NHL sooner than later.
5. Matthew Tkachuk is special
It was apparent last year the Flames had a future star in Tkachuk. He drove possession, he showcased elite playmaking ability, and he pissed off every opponent along the way. He was already a fantastic player at a very young age.
Now he's an excellent scorer. His hands make him extremely dangerous around the net and his shot is getting pretty damn good, as we saw last night.
With Tkachuk's finishing ability taking off (53% of his points are goals, compared to 27% in his rookie year and 28% his only season in London), his ceiling appears even higher than we thought – which was very high.
If I'm Brad Treliving, I'm trying to extend him long-term this summer. With the way he is rapidly developing, the price will only go up by waiting.
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