Some Calgary Flames notes following their decisive win over the Vancouver Canucks:
1) I'll start with draft implications because, at this point, that's the most important thing.
After picking up a regulation win the Flames jumped the Canucks in the standings as well as (temporarily) the Winnipeg Jets. Luckily for the Flames the Jets pulled off a comeback win in San Jose to retake their position ahead of the Flames in the standings.
As it stands now the Flames are 5th last and, barring a loss and two Columbus wins, that's probably where they will end up.
If that is how it all plays out the Flames will have an 8.5% chance of winning the 1st overall pick. That's very low, obviously, but they could still win the lottery for the 2nd or 3rd draft slot, which would be a nice get for them.
2) I don't know what got into Joe Colborne but offensively he's been as good as anyone since the middle of March. In his last 12 games he has recorded 16 points and 11 of those have come in his last six games. He's now just one goal shy of 20 and one point shy of 45.
3) I know I'm beating a dead horse here but, despite the win, Joni Ortio once again finished the night with a sub .900 save percentage. The Flames have now had sub .900 goaltending in seven of their last nine games overall. Imagine the Flames were duking it out for a playoff spot like many thought they would be? That string of goaltending alone might have sunk them.
4) After recording a hat trick last night Mikael Backlund is up to 21 goals and 46 points on the year. That puts him in a tie for 112th in league scoring. There are 90 top line forwards league wide so by that measurement Backlund is a high-end 2nd line player offensively. Factor in his defensive prowess and he is even more valuable. The guy doesn't get much credit but he has developed into an excellent two-way player.
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