The Calgary Flames concluded their preseason with a 3-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets but avoided a much bigger one as Jiri Hudler, who left the game with an injury, is OK and will be good to go for the season opener on Wednesday night.
Some thoughts on the game and some other tidbits:
- Dougie Hamilton and Mark Giordano played more than 21 minutes each and combined for an assist, four shots on goal, four hits and four blocks. The Flames generated 65% of the shot attempts at even-strength with that pairing on the ice even though they started just 33% of their shifts in the offensive zone. Get used to this, folks.
- Karri Ramo stopped a very respectable 21-23 in the loss. I still think Jonas Hiller should be the opening night starter but Ramo seems to be in fine form as he posted a .941 save percentage in four preseason appearances.
- Brett Kulak played almost 17 minutes and came out nearly even in possession despite starting just 22% of his even-strength shifts in the offensive zone. He received positive reviews from Bob Hartley and the coaching after the game and looks to have locked up a spot in the lineup opening night. It'll be interesting to see if the Flames keep Ryan Wilson as the 7th defenseman or elect to save the contract slot and go with someone else for that role.
- I scouted Kingston @ Barrie on Saturday night and once again Flames prospects Andrew Mangiapane and Rasmus Andersson showed well. Mangiapane had an assist and three shots in the 4-2 win while Andersson was held pointless but managed four shots in a winning effort.
I carried Andersson's water all of last year but he looks to be on another level this season. Barrie is stacked up front and they have arguably the OHL's best goaltender in Devils prospect Mackenzie Blackwood but their blue line is very thin so Andersson has been logging an absurd amount of minutes. He looks much better in the defensive zone this year and he's still creating offensively even though he has just one point in three games. The points will come in time.
Recent posts: Ranking the NHL's top-5 wingers