The Calgary Flames were back at home last night looking to rebound from a rough four-game trip in which they were out scored 16-4.
They didn't get the result they were after, though, as they lost, 4-2, to a Dallas Stars team that had won just once in seven tries on the road prior to last night.
The Good
- Johnny Gaudreau played his best game of the season and not just because he scored two goals, although that certainly helps. From start to finish he was the dynamic player we've grown accustomed to seeing. He was dancing around people in space, didn't shy away from going to the dirty areas to try to bang in rebounds and seemingly had chances every shift.
With Gaudreau on the ice at full-strength the Flames out attempted the Stars 22-8, out shot them 14-5 and out chanced them 11-1(!). Individually he had two goals and six shots. That is the guy the Flames paid for.
- Spotting the opposition a pair of goals is never a good thing but the Flames stayed strong and kept playing despite falling behind the 8-ball early in a game they probably should have been up in. Ultimately they didn't get the win but they managed to tie things up and carried play for the majority of the game. This was a much better showing than some of the ones they put forth on their recent road trip.
- Brett Kulak continues to play fantastic hockey. He had a pair of assists, including one on a beautiful slap-pass to Gaudreau, and broke even in possession while logging more than 20 minutes of ice. His play has really helped stabilize the back end.
- This season the Flames have done a little more dump and chase than anyone would want. They need more of this.
This is good work from Sam Bennett. Eludes forechecker in DZ, blows through the NZ and gains the line with possession. pic.twitter.com/0b4ACO4YXQ
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) November 11, 2016
The Bad
- The Hunter Shinkaruk - Sam Bennett - Troy Brouwer line was caved in last night. They were the Flames' only line to finish negative in possession and they were out chanced significantly. They also had a couple turnovers that led to goals against.
- I know the Flames don't have many great options but can we get Alex Chiasson off the top line? I really don't know what he brings to the table in a positive manner. He doesn't score, he doesn't hit, he doesn't drive play. What am I missing here?
- The power play looked a little better in limited opportunities but it was still another 0-for on the night. It really is amazing how the Flames can manage to get so little from such a talented unit.
Stat Of The Game
Lauri Korpikoski led all Stars forwards in time on ice. Yes, he played more than Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin and co. Why? Your guess is as good as mine.
Recent posts: On Monahan, Grossmann and Kulak