Five observations from Calgary vs Pittsburgh:
1. Same old story
They say history has a way of repeating itself. Unfortunately, the Flames have found that out the hard way.
Despite routinely outplaying their opponents, they continue to leave the ice without the desired result more often than not. Last night was another example of that.
After a rocky start – especially by Jon Gillies – the Flames found their footing and were in control much of the night vs the Penguins.
The Flames out-chanced the Pens in each period of regulation and won the expected goals battle convincingly (3.75 to 2.65).
It was a game they could have, and should have, won but didn't. That's happened way too many times, which is why it's becoming increasing likely the Flames will be watching the playoffs from home in April.
2. Jon Gillies was shaky Last night's game was a struggle for Gillies from start to finish. He allowed a pair of goals, one of which he legitimately handed to Evgeni Malkin, inside the first three minutes and was beaten four times on 32 shots overall (.875 save percentage).
The numbers don't paint a pretty picture and somehow he looked even worse by the eye-test. He had a lot of trouble controlling rebounds and didn't look comfortable at all. Even routine saves were made difficult.
I'd expect Glen Gulutzan to go back to David Rittich next time out.
3. The top line didn't get it done With Micheal Ferland back in the mix, the Flames were able to reunite what has been one of the league's best lines this season.
Last night they were anything but. Ferland didn't look right, Sean Monahan generated very few chances, and Johnny Gaudreau squandered the best look of the night by firing wide on a clear cut 2-on-0 with Monahan.
In a game where seemingly everyone was getting involved offensively, that trio combined for a secondary assist and four shots on goal. Not good enough.
4. Mikael Backlund is a monster Despite the end result, it wasn't all bad for the Flames. Backlund, in particular, stood out in a positive manner – as he has been all season long.
Backlund finished with a very strong 61 Corsi For% and danced around Kris Letang en route to one of the nicer goals you will see this season.
Mikael Backlund just put Kris Letang on the injured reserve with this move pic.twitter.com/xyvkLXym3c
— Mike Pfeil (@mikeFAIL) March 6, 2018
5. What's up with the officiating? As has often been the case in Flames games this year, there were some very strange calls, and non-calls, made by the officials.
Brian Dumoulin bulldozed over Tristan Jarry while trying to defend Mikael Backlund as he drove to the net and somehow Backlund was given a two minute penalty.
The next period Curtis Lazar took it hard to the paint, completely ran over Jarry, and there was no call.
No goal came from the Backlund penalty and the two calls evened out anyway. It's just crazy how often the refs have clearly messed up calls in their games.
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