|
Tkachuk, Smith lead Flames to 7th consecutive victory |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
A few notes from Calgary's 7th consecutive victory:
1) Though the Flames allowed 39 shots on goal, I thought they put forth one of the better defensive efforts we've seen from them on this winning streak. They managed to keep a lot of the shots to the outside and seemingly any time the Hurricanes managed to work their way into a good position it was a one and done situation. Mike Smith's workload was big, in part because the Hurricanes had four more power plays, but it wasn't necessarily difficult. The Flames did a really nice job keeping things tidy in front of him.
2) Another game, another fantastic showing from Matthew Tkachuk. He was the beneficiary of a lucky bounce on his goal but the passing play he was involved in on the 3-0 dagger was wonderful. He now has nine points in his last seven games and is playing some of the best two-way hockey of his young career. It's been a treat to watch.
3) Sebastian Aho has quickly turned into one of the better wingers in the league but, man, he had a really awful night across the board. Micheal Ferland blew him up prior to Calgary's 2nd goal, he was later caught on the wrong end of a big hit from Mark Giordano, and he posted the worst Corsi For% among all skaters on either team. It was just one of those nights where everything goes wrong. Hopefully Aho is OK and can get back into the lineup sooner than later.
For what it's worth, I don't think Giordano deserves any further punishment for the hit. The end result wasn't good but I don't think the hit was predatory and the major is enough punishment.
4) Curtis Lazar is routinely invisible but every so often he has a quality game to ensure he stays in the lineup longer than he probably should. On Sunday he had one of those games. He registered an assist, a few solid checks, and posted a positive on-ice shot attempt differential. If he could do that more often he'd be a useful depth player but we probably won't see another performance like that until February.
5) Among 21 eligible Flames (100+ 5v5 minutes), Matthew Tkachuk ranks 3rd in shot attempts against/60 while Troy Brouwer ranks 18th. Despite that, Brouwer continues to get a steady dose of ice on the penalty kill yet Tkachuk can't get a shift. Yesterday, for example, 10 different forwards played at least a minute while down a man with Brouwer playing almost five minutes. Tkachuk didn't play a second. It just doesn't make sense to me.
Recent posts:
Rittich, Tkahcuk lead the charge as Flames extend winning streak to six games
On Jagr's impending exit
Flames waive Freddie Hamilton
Could the Flames be eying Evander Kane?
Flames sign Glenn Gawdin to entry-level contract
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»