A few notes on Calgary's win over Los Angeles:
1) I thought Jon Gillies was very good in his first career start. He looked a little out of position and unsure of himself on the Trevor Lewis goal but he didn't let that impact his game and continued playing as if nothing had happened. He made a few excellent stops throughout the night and led the Flames to a much-needed win in a game they weren't at their best (5v5 chances were 30-17 LA). You can't ask for more than that.
BY LANNY'S MUSTACHE!
— FlamesNation (@FlamesNation) April 7, 2017
JON GILLIES, WELCOME TO THE NHL pic.twitter.com/U7b45Zf4YR
2) Perhaps the most encouraging development as the Flames get set for the playoffs is the emergence of Sam Bennett. Like many 20-year-olds, he has had an up-and-down season but he is starting to regain his confidence and play some of his best hockey. He has three points in his last four games and his speed is starting to become more of a factor. He is definitely heating up at the right time.
3) Dennis Wideman scored in his return to the lineup but I didn't think he was very good. He spent a ton of time chasing play in the defensive zone and it shows in the numbers as he was on the ice for more shot attempts (27) and scoring chances (15) against than any other player in the game. He also had four blocks (only Deryk Engelland had more than one), in large part because there was so much rubber being fired Gillies' way when he was on the ice. Get Rasmus Andersson into the lineup for a game, please.
4) I thought Lazar was better last night than he was in his last game against Washington. He had a couple scoring chances, three hits and picked up an assist for his second 5v5 point of the season. Baby steps, baby steps.
5) A lot of players are better than Lance Bouma. Freddie Hamilton is one of them. I'd like to see No. 25 in the lineup more frequently.
6) Anaheim is really good but I think the Flames would be better off playing them than Chicago. It's not because the Blackhawks are much better but rather the Ducks are really banged up heading into the playoffs. Cam Fowler is out two-to-six weeks (crazy timeline, right?), Hampus Lindholm has missed the last few games, Sami Vatanen just returned to the lineup last night and Nate Thompson left the game with an injury. They're a little vulnerable.
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