They say good things come to those who wait.
That has proven to be true for the Calgary Flames as they're finally starting to get some good results after a dreadful start to the season.
The Flames recorded just four points in their first nine games but, after their impressive win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, have now registered seven points in their last six games.
They still have a long way to go but they're finally heading in the right direction.
Some thoughts:
1) In Calgary's first 13 games their goaltenders stopped 90% or more of the shots they faced just three times. Karri Ramo has now given the Flames .920 goaltending or better in consecutive games and they unsurprisingly won both. It's amazing what competent goaltending can do for you.
2) I had Sam Bennett ranked ahead of Aaron Ekblad for No. 1 overall in his draft year (although it was close) and he's starting to show why I was so high on him. Bennett tallied two points against Pittsburgh - including a highlight of the night-type goal - and now has eight points in his last six games after a slow start to the season. He's going to be a star.
4) Johnny Gaudreau continues to light it up regardless of who he's going up against. No. 13 was Calgary's best possession player Saturday night and also contributed two goals (one was an ENG) and an assist in the win. He now has 17 points in 15 games on the year.
5) Prior to Saturday night the Penguins allowed just 23 goals in 13 games in large part due to Marc-Andre Fleury and his .939 save percentage. Even though the Penguins entered the Calgary game tied for 2nd in the league in goals against average they had been allowing a ton of chances - they ranked 25th in scoring chances allowed per 60 - and it finally caught up to them as Fleury wasn't able to bail them out. Calgary got chances and made the most of them.
6) In Calgary's first nine games of the year they struggled mightily in possession generating just 47% of the shot attempts. Over their last six games they have been a 50.1% possession team. They're starting to play better and they're getting better results. Imagine that.
Recent posts: A quality start!