Five takeaways from Calgary's first win in Anaheim since 2004:
1) For the second time in three games, Mike Smith was absolutely spectacular and among the best players on the ice. The Ducks peppered him with 43 shots, 34 of which came in the final 40 minutes, and Smith came up big time and time again. The Flames did play OK, but there were several lulls throughout and they gave the Ducks no shortage of opportunities -- in terms of chances or taking untimely penalties -- to get on the scoreboard. They were unable to do so, and Smith was the biggest reason why.
While Smith's overall numbers in Arizona were not great, his 5v5 numbers over the last couple years suggested he could be a more than adequate solution in goal. So far he's been just that.
2) The Michael Ferland, Sean Monahan and, sometimes, Johnny Gaudreau line (the latter skated a few shifts on the 3rd line as well) had another strong showing. Each player had four shots on target and -- when together -- created consistent chances while being on for zero (0) against at 5v5. They were quiet on opening night, but they've been at their norms over the last couple games.
3) The 3M line was its usual, beautiful, self in Anaheim. Tasked with shutting down Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, they did just that. They also combined to score the goal that put the dagger in Anaheim's heart and, realistically, should have had another one to go with it.
Here's another 3M outburst which did not (unfortunately) result in a goal pic.twitter.com/8gI9nQObwa
— FlamesNation (@FlamesNation) October 10, 2017
4) After a strong showing against Winnipeg, the Kris Versteeg - Sam Bennett - Curtis Lazar line took a step back last night. That line could use a little less Lazar and a little more Jaromir Jagr, I think. Hopefully, he deems himself ready to go Wednesday night because the Los Angeles Kings are a stingy defensive team that is very tough to crack. The Flames could use every offensively capable player they have.
5) It would seem Glen Gulutzan is going to ride the heck out of T.J. Brodie this season. His game log thus far:
@ Edmonton: 23:49 TOI vs Winnipeg: 25:49 TOI @ Anaheim: 26:45 TOI
He is playing well, no doubt, but Gulutzan can probably tone it down a notch given Dougie Hamilton, one of the league's best last season, played only a hair more than 18 minutes.