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Five observations from Calgary vs Colorado:
1. More of the same
The Avalanche’s speed was a big time problem in the playoffs. Not just at the pace they played at with the puck, but their aggressiveness and ability to close without it. That was the case again for much of last night’s game. The Avs were always on top of the Flames while breaking out or carrying the puck through the neutral zone. That forced them to make quick decisions and keep the puck moving with precision, which was an issue throughout. The Flames just couldn’t connect on multiple passes in succession without missing one, bobbling a puck, or carelessly turning it over. Michael Frolik, in particular, had a few blunders that resulted in wasted possessions or turnovers. I do think the Flames did a better job as the game progressed, however, it was a little concerning to see the same issues pop up again in Game 1.
2. Johnny Gaudreau was exceptional
I thought No. 13 was the best player on the ice. I loved everything I saw from him. He was all over the puck and was one of the only Flames – the only Flame? – who consistently carried it up ice without much issue. He was always back in the defensive zone to support and provide an easy outlet. Gaudreau was a step ahead of the play on a few occasions as he read the puck carrier’s eyes and slipped into position to intercept passes. Heck, Gaudreau even engaged physically, mixing it up in the corners and getting into it with Sam Girard around the net. Oh, and he also picked up a pair of points while leading the Flames in shot contributions with 11 at 5v5.
3. Big Save Dave gave the Flames a chance
I know his numbers (.871SV%) were not great but I thought Rittich mostly played well. He was peppered by the Avalanche, especially over the first 40 minutes. He had to deal with 30(!) scoring chances in that time. Not all of them hit the net, of course, but he had to be ready on each of them and he did answer the bell with a few Grade A stops that allowed the Flames to hang around. Honestly, if he didn’t have some 10-bellers in his back pocket the Avs could have put up six without an empty-netter.
4. Noah Hanifin quietly solid
I really liked Hanifin’s performance last night. I thought he was one of the better defenders in the game. He moved the puck well, put up solid on-ice numbers, and was involved in a lot of the offense. A lot. He created some quality chances during sustained offensive zone possessions. He was also a willing shooter, which is not something we see all the time from Hanifin. He ended up with a defense-leading nine shot contributions, which was equalled or bested only by forwards Matthew Tkachuk (9) and Gaudreau (11). He is still only 22 years old so perhaps he’s going to take another step forward this season. That’d certainly be welcomed.
5. Milan Lucic’s usage was odd
I’m not going to get on the guy for having Austin Czarnik’s back. For better or worse, that’s what the Flames want him to do and that’s what his teammates want him to do. It is what it is, no problems there.
I didn’t like how Bill Peters tried to force a square peg into a round hole, though. Lucic is a very slow player and the Flames’ top line creates a lot more off the rush than in-zone cycling. I don’t understand the need to give him some reps with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. It didn’t work with James Neal (faster and has a better shot) so I’m not sure why it would with Lucic. I didn’t like him out in the final minute as an extra attacker either. Not just because he’s an inefficient offensive player, but because Matthew Tkachuk already had the net front duties covered.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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