The Calgary Flames took on the Edmonton Oilers in two split squad games Monday night and both ended with the same result: an Oilers win.
Admittedly I watched a lot more of the game in Calgary so I'll be focusing on that in today's blog.
Some thoughts on the 3-1 loss:
- In the preview I said I'd be watching the goaltenders closely and both Jonas Hiller and Joni Ortio were impressive. Hiller stopped 15-16 (.938SV%) while Ortio stopped 12-13 (.923SV%) in the loss.
It seems like Hiller is the guy management wants to ship out but I think they'd be smart to hold onto Hiller. For my money he's the best goaltender they have and is not someone I'd be looking to force out the door.
- Michael Frolik was impressive in his debut. He finished the game with a goal and six shots despite starting just 20% of his shifts in the offensive zone. Frolik's speed and anticipation were on full display, too, as he made a smart read on the PK that led to him drawing a penalty shot on a shorthanded breakaway. He didn't score, obviously, but it was still an impressive sequence. He's going to be a key player for the Flames this season.
- Tyler Wotherspoon is in a battle for one of the final roster spots on the team and last night's performance should help his cause. He played over 16 minutes - including 3:12 on the penalty kill - and was one of five Flames to come out even or better in shot attempt differential at even-strength.
- One negative (besides losing) in this game is that the Flames once again struggled in possession. Edmonton won the even-strength shot attempt battle 51-36 (59%) and definitely had the territorial throughout the game.
The Oilers dressed some of their top guys - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle, Oscar Klefbom and Justin Schultz to name a few - but the possession struggles are still a little worrisome considering the Flames dressed a better lineup that included the majority of their top players and the big three of Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie and Dougie Hamilton on defense.
It's only preseason and it was a split squad game but it won't be good if this trend continues.