After a couple poor showings on home soil, the Calgary Flames were in Arizona looking to get back on track with a win.
They started slowly, but controlled play for the final 40 minutes and left with a much-needed two points as a result.
A few notes:
1) I don't know if the Flames were taking the Coyotes lightly, or what the problem was, but their start to the game was downright embarrassing. The Coyotes are arguably the worst team in hockey and they were all over the Flames to start this game. At one point the shots were 10-0, and the high-danger chances favored the Coyotes 8-0 in the 1st period. The Flames were lucky Brian Elliott was (mostly) on his game or they could have been way behind the 8-ball early.
2) Last night's game was weird on so many levels. I don't think I've seen anything like it. Well into the 1st period the shots were 10-0 Arizona, then well into the 2nd period, the shots were 10-0 Calgary. It was a complete 180. The 3rd period was pretty even, at least at 5v5, but the first 40 was a bit of a roller coaster.
3) Calgary's power play has been excellent for a while now but it was truly fantastic in Arizona. The Flames scored three power-play goals, including two where they absolutely dissected the Coyotes' defense with a string of pin-point passes.
The puck movement on this Backlund goal is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/K4IH3ANdXi
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) December 20, 2016
Quick note before the next one: Douglas Jonathan Hamilton is a special player. Never trade him (or bench him).
Flames are picking the Coyotes apart on the PP tonight. pic.twitter.com/Vc5qiit2JR
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) December 20, 2016
4) The Matthew Tkachuk - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik line was great once again. Even when Calgary wasn't getting any shots on goal early, they still had a couple good shifts that led to chances. They combined for three points and 11 shots while spending much of the game in the offensive zone and dominating in possession.
Flames with a solid 5v5 night vs Arizona. Tkachuk - Backlund - Frolik line led the way up front, Hamilton on D. In other news water is wet. pic.twitter.com/zc0b0qfxB7
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) December 20, 2016
5) Your daily Sean Monahan update: he has points in 10 consecutive games and has recorded two shots or more in six straight games and 10 of 12 overall. He's now on pace for almost 50 points.