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On Johnson's dominant run, Monahan showing signs of life & more |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
1) It hasn't been easy, nor has it been pretty, but the Calgary Flames are quietly piling up the points.
They own a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 games despite playing seven on the road and nine without their best player in Johnny Gaudreau.
They haven't been dominating teams by any stretch of the imagination but, for the most part, they've held their own and had good goaltending be the difference in their favor (basically the opposite of last season).
As it stands the Flames are just one point out of a playoff spot. If they can stay in the mix and keep things close until Gaudreau returns they'll survive the early waves of bad breaks and give themselves a legitimate shot at a playoff spot. I think that's all anyone could have realistically asked for.
2) Chad Johnson was fantastic once again, especially in the latter half of the game, stopping all 39 shots he faced against a high-powered offensive team in the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Over Johnson's last eight starts he has allowed just 12 goals, five of which came in one game, and owns a ridiculous .951 save percentage in that span. He is almost single-handedly winning games.
3) Another note on Johnson: he may be playing unsustainably well right now but he is legitimately good.
Since the beginning of the 2015-16 season, Johnson is 4th in save percentage among 28 goaltenders to start at least 50 games (Brian Elliott is 10th). Playing in front of Johnson? A bottom-feeder in the Buffalo Sabres, and a Flames team that has been leaky defensively. Johnson hasn't had the luxury of playing behind a sound defensive team. He has been tested a lot and he's more than been up to the challenge.
4) Sean Monahan is finally starting to show signs of life. For just the second time this season he has registered points in consecutive games and he had a positive on-ice shot attempt differential (aka Corsi) both games after five straight in the red. Baby steps, baby steps.
Recent posts:
Flames fall to Islanders but survive lengthy road triipp
On Johnson's strong play, Hamilton, Bennett and more
On smart bets in goal, Monahan's struggles, Hamilton's usage and more
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Pacific Division bold predictions
Pacific Division breakout players
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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