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Five observations from Calgary vs New York:
1. The Flames are back
If a strong performance against Arizona wasn't enough to convince you, the show they put on against New York surely did the trick.
The Islanders entered play 18-5-2 in their previous 25 games. Arguably the most structured defensive team in the NHL, they had allowed more than three goals in a game just once since Christmas. The Flames surpassed that total and could have easily scored more.
They came out flying, spending shift after shift in the offensive zone. They generated a ton of great looks around the net and seemingly won every battle to collect rebounds and earn extra possessions/scoring opportunities. It felt like an achievement any time the Isles got the puck out, and the Flames routinely regrouped and regained the line with ease to go right back on the attack. It was like that for the vast majority of the game, even though the Islanders somehow managed to claw their way back into it.
When all was said and done, the Flames out-chanced the Islanders 32-19 and won the high-danger battle 14-5 at 5v5. The 14 HD chances they mustered up in that game state tied the Arizona game for the most since January 7th against the Blackhawks. To put up numbers like that in consecutive games is impressive. To do it against a stingy team like the Islanders, who sit tops in the Metro, is even more so.
We've been waiting a while for the Flames to find their game and skate a team into the ground like they so often did in the first half of the season. It looks like they have.
2. Mikael Backlund was incredible
There is a *long* list of positives to come from Wednesday's win. Backlund's play might be at the top. I thought he was absolutely superb – the best player on the ice. At 5v5, the Flames cratered the Islanders in terms of shot attempts and chances (67 CF%, 66 SCF%), he picked up a primary point on both goals he was out for, and he led Flames forwards picking up nine shot assists and 12 shot contributions on 21 on-ice attempts. That's good for a 57.14 involvement percentage, which is extremely impressive. He still doesn't get enough recognition league-wide for how good he is.
3. The 3rd line stood out
I loved what I saw from the Sam Bennett, Mark Jankowski, Austin Czarnik line. They routinely broke down New York's defense and created great chances around the net. They were relentless on the forecheck. Their mix of closing speed and physicality caused numerous turnovers. It felt like they were a threat to score almost every time they touched the ice, which is not the case when James Neal is featured as opposed to Czarnik. I think the latter is making it crystal clear he should be in the lineup on a nightly basis.
4. Travis Hamonic was fantastic
I don't necessarily put a lot of stock in narratives but, man, Hamonic brought the heat against his former team.
He led the Flames in 5v5 ice (21:10), 5v5 shot contributions (13), drove possession, and scored a goal. This despite 15 of 18 faceoffs he was one the ice for (5v5 only) starting outside of the offensive zone.
5. Ending on a(nother) positive
Many who closely follow the Flames – myself included – give Garnet Hathaway a hard time on a regular basis. With that in mind, it's only fair to praise him when he stands out for the right reasons. That was the case vs the Islanders.
Hathaway was relentless on the forecheck. He landed a few big hits. He caused turnovers. He wreaked havoc around the net. He drew three(!) penalties. He also held his head above water in terms of possession and led the 4th line with five shot contributions. Realistically speaking, there's nothing more that could be asked of a player in that role.
So far, so good alongside Derek Ryan and Andrew Mangiapane. Hopefully he can keep it up.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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