The Calgary Flames, in fashion, took an extra couple of points from the Boston Bruins last night after a (huge) shootout winning goal from newcomer David Schlemko.
In case, somehow, you missed Schlemko’s goal (which was actually trending in Canada on Twitter last night), here is the replay below.
Here's a brief replay of the video. I'm sure most of you have seen it, but you probably don't mind seeing it again, so you're welcome!
Yeah, not many words do that deke justice – Schlemko froze one of the best goalies in the league and had him hook, line, and sinker. Good job buddy, that put smiles on a lot of fans faces given its excellence and also considering it was the game winner.
Last night was the Flames second game without their captain who is out for the rest of the season, and while many believe that their playoff chances will begin to diminish as a direct result of this, Calgary demonstrates that this is a team game and wins two in a row.
The game would essentially be chance for chance as once the Bruins scored, the Flames would have an answer. Interestingly enough, Calgary hasn’t found a ton of success on the PP as they currently sit 18th in the league, and last night didn’t help even though they scored twice with the man advantage. Reason being? They were awarded with SEVEN power plays!
While getting two PP goals in one night is typically good, 2/7 isn’t great for your statistical averages. Calgary will need to continue to focus on their specialty teams moving forward if they want to continue to challenge for the playoffs as they have been, as they also sit 18th on the PK.
As mentioned, chances would go back and forth and it would be the Flames who seem to take advantage of missed opportunities by the Bruins. Last night was a big team win with guys like Kris Russell setting a league wide best in terms of blocked shots, and the team was able to match Boston’s physicality dishing out 24 hits compared to 18 for the Bruins.
Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan would once again find the back of the net and while Gaudreau has slowed down just a little in terms of production (6pts over last 10gp), Sean Monahan is heating up with 6 goals and 4 assists over his last ten played. The team is unfortunately going to need to rely on these two for production, however guys like Jiri Hudler have quietly been one of the Flames best players with 9pts over his last 10 games.
Hudler has been a dominant force for the Flames and a strong leader over the last few games as the team is without veterans Giordano and Glencross. Guys like Hudler, Russell, Wideman and the rookies will need to continue to play at this level down the stretch, though I feel playing over 30 minutes a night could catch up to Wideman.
The Flames take to the ice tonight again to face the Detroit Red Wings as the look to complete their road trip in the upcoming days. Both teams are on respective winning streaks and hold the 3rd playoff spot for each of their own divisions, so as I’ve been repeating, tonight is another BIG game for both sides.
Jonas Hiller is expected to start tonight for the Flames who will need to come out of the gates flying.
Enjoy the game!
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