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Flames 4, Rangers 1: Rittich steals the show, two points in New York

October 22, 2018, 10:49 AM ET [33 Comments]
Todd Cordell
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
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Five observations from Calgary's win over New York:

1. David Rittich stole the show

That Rittich wasn't named the 1st, 2nd, *and* 3rd star is a cardinal sin. He was absolutely fantastic from start to finish and is unquestionably the biggest reason the Calgary Flames left the ice with another two points.

They were not good defensively. In fact, they were downright horrible for long stretches of the game.

The Rangers were able to sustain offensive zone time with great consistency throughout. There were a lot of defensive breakdowns and, thus, quality scoring chances as a result. Rittich continually answered the bell.

When all was said and done, the Flames conceded 29 high-danger chances. 29. For perspective, they gave up more than 20 (21 – again vs the Rangers) just once last season. The most they allowed in 2016-17 was 23. They legitimately gave up the most high-danger looks since the stat become available and gave up only one goal.

That was as good of a goaltending performance as you will see. Rittich deserves a ton of credit. Oh, and probably the next start.

2. Calgary's offense was opportunistic

New York controlled the vast majority of the game but the Flames occasionally counter-punched and strung together a couple of good shifts of their own. They seemingly capitalized each time that happened.

The Flames managed to score four goals in tight on less than a dozen opportunities. Compare that to the Rangers who were rewarded with zero (0) goals around the paint despite opening up a shooting gallery in front.



You know the saying, 'sometimes it's better to be lucky than good'? I disagree with that over a full season but that can be the case in an individual game. Last night was a great example.

3. Rasmus Andersson was up for the challenge

The Flames were absolutely cratered in at 5v5. Score effects didn't help the cause but attempts were 77-51 Rangers and, honestly, it felt even more one-sided at times.

Despite logging almost 18 minutes of ice at 5v5, 12 of which came alongside Mark Giordano on the top pairing, he only posted a minus-3 shot attempt differential. He managed to tread water in a game where it was difficult to do so.

Beyond the on-ice numbers, I liked the bite he played with. Andersson landed a couple healthy hits and didn't shy away from mixing it up with Cody McLeod on a net-mouth scramble. His game is skill-based, obviously, but he's not afraid to get involved physically and I think we'll see more of that as he becomes comfortable at the NHL level.

4. Dillon Dube was noticeable

I thought the Flames' lone forward rookie put together a quietly strong performance. He logged less than 11 minutes of ice and made the most of it recording four shot attempts (Johnny Gaudreau and Andersson led the team with five) and a pair of scoring chances at 5v5. Dube was also the lone Flames forward to post a positive shot attempt differential. I liked his relentlessness after the puck and aggressiveness with it. More of that, please.

5. An off night for the 3rd line

Sam Bennett and James Neal, in particular, have played well as a duo of late. Last night that was not the case.

In just under 10 minutes together they were out-attempted 19-8 and lost the high-danger chance battle 6-0. That is painfully bad, especially given their competition (primarily Brett Howden's line).

Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and Corsica.Hockey.

Recent posts:

Strong showings from Frolik, Smith lead Flames past Bruins

On Bennett's improved play, drawing penalties, and Brodie's PK usage

Predicting the Pacific Division standings
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