Some notes on the Calgary Flames' much needed win over the Columbus Blue Jackets:
1) I recently wrote that Bob Hartley would be smart to keep the Sam Bennett - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik line together and they showed why against the Jackets.
Led by the red hot Sam Bennett that trio combined for three goals, five points, 10 shots, 18 shot attempts and 11 scoring chances while being the Flames' best line in possession. From start to finish they were absolutely dominant.
2) As a whole Karri Ramo was quite good stopping 27-29 (.931 save percentage) but the rebound he coughed out on Brandon Dubinsky's goal was just atrocious. It seems like for every crazy save Ramo makes there's a clunker of a goal against to go with it.
3) Under Bob Hartley the Flames live and die by the stretch pass. When it works it's beautiful - especially with the personnel they have on defense - but when it doesn't it can turn into a disaster.
It was beautiful against the Jackets, and there is no better example than the pass Mark Giordano made on Sam Bennett's first goal.
Excellent stretch pass from Giordano. Bennett's finish wasn't bad, either. Nice goal. https://t.co/OU9eyOYOeS
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 22, 20164) Another game, another Johnny Gaudreau highlight real play. The guy is amazing.
Insane shot from Gaudreau. https://t.co/Y4SosNadUR
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 22, 20165) Even with the win the Flames remain six points back of a playoff spot and are ahead of only Winnipeg and Edmonton in the Western Conference. If they're going to seriously contend for a spot they're going to have to on a good run like they did in December.
What better time than now with five of their next six coming against teams outside of the playoffs looking in?
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