The Calgary Flames finished off their preseason in style last night with a high pressure 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Slow starts has been an issue for the Flames of late, and tonight that issue was addressed by adjusting the puck pressure. By the 12 minute mark of the first period the Flames had earned four odd man rushes including one in the first minute of play that resulted in a Jets tripping penalty. 40 seconds into the game the Flames scored their first goal courtesy of Andrew Mangiapane on the powerplay. They kept the pressure high and gave a miserable night to Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, who posted a .870 save percentage on 23 shots.
The Flames managed the puck much better compared to last game. While they lacked the potent offence that the Tkachuk-Lindholm-Gaudreau line brings, the lineup as a whole brought a much better tempo. Andrew Mangiapane picked off several plays in the neutral zone and set the tone early.
Here are some takeaways from the game.
Gawdin looks ready Glen Gawdin continued to develop his offensive game last night with a couple good chances. One of his two shots on goal was a dangerous one-timer off a remarkable spin-pass from Justin Kirkland. Gawdin looks NHL ready, but keeps taking first period penalties — including a cross checking penalty at 4:43 in the first last night. It must be driving Sutter nuts. Later in the game he stepped up and got in the face of Pierre-Luc Dubois when he ran Markstrom. Important moment for Glenn Gawdin.
Jusso didn’t impress Valimaki had a hot and cold night. Yesterday I pointed out consistency as the issue with keeping him in the lineup. Last night’s game was a microcosm for the issues Sutter has with Valimaki. Great start, lost focus, eventually got his passing back together. That needs to be ironed out. With three giveaways in 19:33 of ice time, the 23 year old defenseman is unlikely to start the season in the lineup.
Much better game for Monahan With a goal, two takeaways, four shots and a 75% faceoff win rate — Monahan looked much better last night. He was skating as well as he ever has. A good sign coming off hip surgery in the offseason.
Andersson bouncing back After a disappointing season last year, it’s nice to see Rasmus Andersson playing well again. He assisted on all three goals and played exceptionally on both special teams units. He played over six minutes between the powerplay and penalty kill.
Richardson injured Brad Richardson was missing from the bench to start the second. It was announced later in the period that he would not return due to a lower body injury.
Playing Ehlers harder Ehlers got submarined by Mangiapane in the corner at the 14:40 mark of the second period. He looked in rough shape. He later got too close to Markstrom and ate a butt end from the goalie —then got mugged by two Flames players. Sutter hockey.
A couple Jets notes:
Dubois looks much better Great takeaway to diffuse a breakaway in the first then got a breakaway of his own in the second. Dubois struggled to make an impact last year. Good to see him turn it around.
Stanley looks great A goal in the second. A huge chance in the third. This guy does a great job being a threat with limited minutes and is getting better at playing his game. Building on the game he showed he can play last playoffs. His howitzers from the outside are Phaneuf-esque.
The Flames start their season against the Oilers a week from today on the 16th at 8pm. There will be a few pieces coming out during the week off, so stay tuned.
Have a great day,
Trevor Neufeld