The Calgary Flames concluded their three-game homestand in fine fashion Sunday night as they skated the Anaheim Ducks into the ground to the tune of an 8-3 win.
A few notes:
1) Through 16 games the Flames owned a 5-10-1 record and their season was approaching write-off territory. They weren't gelling under Glen Gulutzan's new system, Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, Mark Giordano and co. weren't playing close to the level we've grown accustomed to, and their goaltending was poor.
Fast forward a month and things are looking a whole lot better. The Flames have gone 8-3-1 in their last 12 games, Monahan is starting to produce, Gaudreau is back from injury and Chad Johnson is playing at an all-star level.
The Flames are now tied in points for a wild card spot and are just three points out of 1st(!) in the Pacific Division. It's amazing how quickly things can change with a good stretch like this.
2) I thought Gaudreau was fantastic in his return to the lineup. Prior to his injury he looked hesitant and wasn't as dynamic as usual. Something seemed off. Last night that was not the case. He was darting around the ice at full speed, dancing around defenders and seemingly creating chances every time he touched the ice.
Gaudreau finished the night with one goal, one assist, four shots and the Flames out-chanced the Ducks, 8-5, with him on the ice at full-strength. He was excellent.
3) Monahan is on a four-game point streak and is starting to regain his confidence and look like the Monahan of old. The one caveat about his streak is that he still isn't shooting the puck a lot (he has six shots during his four-game streak). Hopefully netting a couple goals will give him the confidence to start firing pucks again. He has an excellent shot; he just needs to use it more.
4) Micheal Ferland left the game following his fight with Kevin Bieksa and did not return with what the Flames are labeling as an "upper body injury".
Thankfully it wasn't a concussion nor does it appear to be serious.
Hearing Ferland injury is not severe. Out as a precaution coach says he will be Okay.
— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) December 5, 2016
He may not pile up the points but he is a good scorer in the bottom-6, he drives possession and he brings a legitimate physical presence to the table.
He's a valuable member of the team and probably deserved an increased role with the way he was playing. Hopefully he misses little time if any.
5) Things are going well right now but maybe take it easy on the stretch passes. It's so easy for teams to sit on them, jump to intercept and bring the puck back the other way. The Flames' defense core is pretty much as mobile as any. Put their skating ability to use.