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Five observations from Calgary vs Vegas:
1. The Flames took advantage of a tired team
Last night's game was as big of a schedule win as you'll find. Vegas was playing in a road back-to-back and their fourth game in six days overall. Calgary was fully rested playing for just the third time since Remembrance Day. It certainly showed.
The Flames came out and pushed the pace from the word go. They were flying through the neutral zone, moving the puck with authority, and really making it difficult for the Golden Knights to keep up. This resulted in a lot of defensive breakdowns in front of a goaltender with a sub .900 save percentage at the NHL level, which worked out as poorly as you would expect.
As I mentioned in the preview, it'd be difficult for Vegas to muster up the energy it takes to come from behind if they fell behind the 8-ball early. The Flames pounced right away and the game was all but over halfway through the opening frame.
2. Top line dominant again
Another game, another excellent performance from the top line. They finished 1-2-3 on the team in Corsi For%, scored a pair of goals at even-strength, contributed to four as a whole and, honestly, probably could have done even more damage. Some of the passing plays they connected on were simply remarkable. They always knew where their linemates would be on the ice and consistently found creative ways to hit the open man.
Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, and Elias Lindholm were a little slow out of the gate this season – at least in terms of controlling play territorially – but they're now a 55.6 Corsi line on the year. That's elite and the number continues to climb.
3. The defense was stingy
Though the Golden Knights were playing in far from ideal circumstances, the Flames deserve a lot of credit for their defensive performance. Vegas is near the top of the league in both shot and chance generation on a per 60 basis. The Flames completely stifled them allowing just 13 shots on goal, and five high-danger chances, over the first 40 minutes. For perspective, the Flames bested those totals in just the opening period.
They continue to get the job done defensively after a rather concerning start to the year. Over the last 10 games, only Boston has given up fewer scoring chances during 5v5 play.
4. Sam Bennett finally rewarded
Over the last six games, the Flames have dominated with Bennett on the ice and he ranks 2nd only to Johnny Gaudreau in scoring chances. He has been very good so it was a breath of fresh air to see him find the back of the net. I'm sure the coaches have let it be known they've liked his play – he wouldn't be on the 2nd line otherwise – but it had to be draining to consistently come up empty-handed despite generating lots of chances and doing the right things. Hopefully this gets him going.
5. It's time to have the Dillon Dube talk
Dube is fast, skilled, and work ethic is never a question. He has all the tools to be a solid NHL player for a long time. He's not necessarily one right now. He ranks at or near the bottom of the team in Corsi For%, Scoring Chance For%, and scoring chances. Last night, for example, he played more than 16 minutes because of the blowout and he registered one shot attempt while failing to generate a single chance. I would rather him get consistent minutes in key situations at the AHL level and give his spot to Austin Czarnik, who has performed extremely well in a limited role this season.
Bonus note: Matthew Tkachuk owns a 58.38 Corsi For% (elite), 55.64 Scoring Chance For% (elite), is averaging 2.59 points per 60 at 5v5 (elite) and is apparently just as good at playing the point on the power play as causing havoc around the net. This guy is going to get paid with a capital 'P' and rightfully so. He has developed into one of the best two-way wingers in the NHL and, no, that's not an exaggeration. At all.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and Corsica.Hockey.
Recent posts:
On strong 5v5 numbers, Czarnik's role, and Hanifin's penalty killing
On penalty killing prowess, Lindholm’s scoring, and goaltending
Predicting the Pacific Division standings
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