Some thoughts on the Calgary Flames' 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils:
1) Extended road trips are never easy but this five-game trip the Flames are on figured to be a good opportunity for them to gain some ground in the Pacific Division.
Of the five teams they are/were slated to play only Dallas possessed a playoff spot (entering the trip) and they've won just 4 of their last 11 games/3 of their last 10 games.
Against a bad Oilers team and a mediocre Devils team the Flames were out played significantly at even-strength. The Flames were out attempted 106 to 73 (41%) and out chanced 53-39 (43%).
That's not exactly encouraging.
2) Johnny Gaudreau was one of the few bright spots against the Devils. He came out close to even in possession, had three 5 v 5 scoring chances, six 5 v 5 shot attempts and picked up a pair of power play assists including a beautiful one on Kris Russell's goal.
Johnny Gaudreau being Johnny Gaudreau. https://t.co/snOvhqypGF
— Todd Cordell (@ToddCordell) January 20, 20163) Markus Granlund bounced back nicely from a disastrous game against Edmonton (the Flames were out attempted 17-1 with him on the ice at 5 v 5). He was the team's best player in possession, he tied Gaudreau for the team-lead with three 5 v 5 scoring chances and led the team with two high-danger chances in that game state.
4) Jonas Hiller made some good saves but overall it was a pretty sub par effort from him. I mean, you're not going to win many games with Cory Schneider at the other end of the rink if you post a sub .900 save percentage. Hiller has had a good career but at this point he's probably not going to play well for more than a couple games in a row without suffering a setback. Karri Ramo has bounced back nicely following a terrible start to the year but I don't think he's the answer, either.
I think Brad Treliving and co. might have to do some goalie hunting this summer.
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