After a couple terrible performances in California the Calgary Flames concluded their road trip in fine fashion as they waxed the last placed Edmonton Oilers 5-0 in their own building.
The Good
- In a game that featured the likes of Connor McDavid, Taylor Hall and Johnny Gaudreau, among others, Mikael Backlund was the best player on the ice.
He was hitting teammates on the tape all night (see Joe Colborne's goal) and scored a pair himself - including a beautiful breakaway goal late in the 3rd to rub some salt in the wound of the Oilers.
On top of his three points Backlund was also one of the Flames' best players in possession and was excellent on the penalty kill.
- I thought Josh Jooris quietly played a strong game. After denying a zone entry on the Oilers PP he took the puck up ice and managed to get it to Backlund for the game's 1st goal. He finished the game with an assist and a pair of scoring chances while logging more than two minutes on the penalty kill.
- Joe Colborne recorded his third multi-point game in his last four outings as he scored a goal and added an assist in the win. Colborne now has 12 points in his last 11 and is just one shy of 40 on the year.
- Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan combined for four points, nine shots and 11 scoring chances. I know it's the Oilers but, man, that duo can create offense.
- Joni Ortio recorded a shutout. The goaltending in Calgary this season has been terrible, to put it nicely, so any time they get a quality start it's a plus.
The Bad
- At even-strength the Flames were out shot 9-5, out attempted 19-9 and out chanced 11-5 by the Oilers in the 1st period. They had a horrible start to the game and were lucky to lead 1-0 after 20 minutes. They responded very well in the final 40, though.
- Sam Bennett finished with a minus-9 shot attempt differential at 5 v 5 and was one of two Flames to not register a shot attempt.
- The Flames no longer have a shot at finishing last, and it is extremely unlikely they will finish 2nd last. As of now, assuming they don't win the lottery, they'd pick 6th but they are just two points out of 3rd last. An extra loss or two in the final few games would really make a big difference.
Stat Of The Game
Eight different players recorded at least five scoring chances.
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