After a somewhat slow start to the preseason the Calgary Flames seem to have found their groove as they've won three consecutive games after topping the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday night.
The Flames didn't blow them out of the rink and the Avs dressed a very watered down lineup so it's wasn't overly impressive but a win is a win nonetheless.
Some thoughts:
- The Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler line looks ready for meaningful hockey. They combined for two goals and four points on the night - although Hudler's 2nd goal came while playing with Backlund and Frolik - and the passing leading up to the first goal was impressive to say the least. I can see why head coach Bob Hartley seems hesitant to change things up and break up the top line to balance the offense.
- I thought Sam Bennett looked good once again. He had some good controlled zone entries, a shot and an assist in a little more than 17 minutes of ice.
Calgary generated more than 60% of the even-strength shot attempts with Bennett, Frolik and Bennett - who could very well start the season together - on the ice despite all of them starting 40% (or less) of their shifts in the offensive zone.
Again, it was against a watered down lineup but the results were still encouraging.
- Jonas Hiller, Karri Ramo and Joni Ortio continue to make things difficult on Flames management.
Hiller has a .965 save percentage (stopped 55-57) in three appearances. Ramo has a .949 save percentage (stopped 74-78) in three appearances. Ortio has a .979 save percentage (stopped 47-48) in two appearances.
Obviously none of those numbers are sustainable over time but the point is all three goaltenders are performing at a very high level.
It's going to be very interesting to see how this plays out because there's been no separation between these guys and GM Brad Treliving is running out of time to make a decision.
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