1) I've long been a Dougie Hamilton defender so it's nice to see him finally getting recognition for his play of late.
In reality, though, he's been great all year. To put into perspective how stupid the trade rumors were, which came about because he was 'struggling', allow me to share a few stats.
This season 155 defensemen have logged at least 300 minutes at 5v5. Among them, only Brent Burns has averaged more 5v5 points per 60 than Hamilton. Similarly, only Burns has averaged more 5v5 shots per 60 than Hamilton.
Hamilton has been a big time possession driver, too, as only three defensemen rank ahead of him in Corsi For% relative to his team.
Hamilton has played well all season and is finally starting to get the minutes he deserves. It's no coincidence the team has won a lot more with him playing a key role.
2) I don't want to be 'that guy' but I'm going to be anyway: I didn't like the Troy Brouwer signing when it happened and I sure don't now. He's on pace for just 15 goals and 34 points, which is actually pretty close to the output he's provided in recent years.
On top of very pedestrian offensive numbers, the Flames control ~44% of the shot attempts and ~41% of the scoring chances with Brouwer on the ice. Those totals are by far the worst among regulars in the lineup.
He was overrated to begin with and, at 31, he is only going to get worse. Giving him four-years and $4.5 million is looking real bad.
3) Another note on Brouwer: the Flames paid pennies for Kris Versteeg and he has just two points less than Brouwer in 12 fewer games. He also has much better underlying numbers.
Versteeg doesn't have the bite Brouwer does, obviously, but I don't think a few hits is worth $18 million and three years more.
4) Crazy but true: despite the incredible run Chad Johnson is on, the Flames rank just 13th in the NHL in save percentage on the year. Johnson is due to slow down a bit at some point, but Brian Elliott is also better than he has shown thus far. It's probably safe to expect top-15 goaltending, perhaps even top-10, from the Flames this season. It's amazing how much of a difference competent goaltending makes.