The Calgary Flames improved their record to 26-13-6 Saturday night in yet another impressive victory; this time over the New York Islanders. This six game winning streak has elevated them to an 8-2-0 figure in their last ten games and only one point behind the Las Vegas Golden Knights for 1st place in the division with three games in hand.
A few observations from the game that was:
Neutral zone rally It became apparent early in the game that the Isles did not intent on playing a trap game. Sutter appeared happy to oblige and let the Flames offence take some risks between the blue lines. Most of the game was spent at one end or the other. Not Barry Trotz’s usual modus operandi.
The Isles still seem quite out of sync. This is the same core that has been going deep into the playoffs the past few years. Whether it’s injury accumulation from attrition, long term fatigue or the team simply in a collective offensive rut— the Isles haven’t looked themselves this year.
Defence dominance The Flames blue line has seemingly flipped a switch of late. Weeks ago, Sutter pointed out that the Flames defence weren’t producing enough goals to meet an analytical precedent that playoff teams have set in the past.
They certainly managed to flip the script. Every Flames defenceman registered a point last night. Chris Tanev is suddenly the hottest hand on the team with seven points in his last five games, Kylington and Hanifin have five points in that time span. Andersson four.
Seeing the defence pinching down to the goal line is certainly a surreal experience for a Sutter team; one should be sure to enjoy the headaches for opposing checkers this trend is causing.
Ruzicka rising Its been interesting watching center Adam Ruzicka’s game developing this season. With a goal, an assist and involvement on several other goals against the Isles last night, it’s undeniable that he had his best game. He’s on a top six trajectory at this rate.
His assist on Mangiapane’s goal makes one wonder if the two should get more time on the same line.
Pointed out as an area needing improvement, Ruzicka posted the best faceoff percentage on the team last night at 64%. His 12:29 of ice time is a career high. The 220lbs 6’4… Slovak has three points in four games against Metropolitan Division teams.
The Flames have tomorrow off before facing Patrik Laine and the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Saddledome on Tuesday.
Enjoy Super Bowl LVI.
Trevor Neufeld