The Calgary Flames were in Winnipeg last night looking to separate themselves from the Jets, among other teams, with a win.
They were unable to do just that as they put forth a sloppy effort and the Jets made them pay.
A few notes:
1) Numbers wise, it was a pretty good game from T.J. Brodie. He played almost 20 minutes at 5v5 and the Flames out-attempted, outshot and out-chanced the Jets when he was on the ice.
His game wasn't easy on the eyes, though, especially in the 3rd period. Brodie turned the puck over a few times, one of which led directly to a goal, he lost his stick twice, was on the receiving end of a big hit, and pretty much every shift in the 3rd was an adventure for the wrong reasons. Kind of summarizes the Flames' game as a whole, doesn't it?
2) The 4th line played at a surprisingly high level on Monday night. They accounted for a few hits and dominated possession from the word go despite starting just one shift in the offensive zone. Matt Stajan, for example, spent 2:45 against Dustin Byfuglien at 5v5. In that time the Flames out-attempted the Jets 7-0 and out-chanced them 4-0. It was a weird game.
5v5 numbers from Flames v Jets. 4th line was strong, rare off night from the Tkachuk - Backlund - Frolik line (data via @NatStatTrick). pic.twitter.com/AkxvDBVJPq
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 10, 2017
3) I very much doubt the Flames take Engelland out, but I wouldn't mind seeing Brett Kulak next game in place of Jyrki Jokipakka. The former has posted better underlying numbers, albeit in a smaller sample size, and I think he's a better puck mover. I think Engelland needs to be protected by playing with someone who can transition.
4) After a few rough outings, Chad Johnson is back on his game. He has stopped 53-56 (.946 save percentage) over the last two contests and appears to have regained his confidence. Good news.
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