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Five observations from Game 2 of Calgary vs Colorado:
1. The Flames were steamrolled at 5v5
Calgary getting the better of Colorado at 5v5 in this series – perhaps significantly – seemed like a reasonably safe assumption. On the year, the Flames posted much better underlying numbers. If the sample size was shrunk to the final 20-25 games, the gap between the two was even larger. It didn't really show in Game 1, and it was the exact opposite in Game 2.
The Avalanche were quick out of the gate (attempts 16-7, chances 7-3 in the opening period) and they were surprisingly able to sustain that kind of dominance without much push back. Oddly enough, it was only in overtime the Flames showed a real pulse. The Avalanche still walked away with the win, though, and it's nearly impossible to argue they weren't deserving.
They were solid breaking out of the defensive zone, dangerous in possession, played with a lot of pace, won plenty of battles and overall were simply much sharper.
In all, that allowed them to out-attempt the Flames 58-37 (61.05 CF%) and out-chance them 24-16 (60 SCF%). Those are remarkably good numbers, especially on the road against a No. 1 seed.
2. No answer for Nate
The Flames defended MacKinnon as well as you realistically can in Game 1. They managed to close on him before he *really* got going in the neutral zone, (mostly) forced him to take Grade B shots as opposed to Grade A, and the Avs didn't dictate play with him out there. That...was not the case last night. For starters, the Avs out-attempted the Flames 27-10(!!) with MacKinnon on the ice. He was the driving factor in such a differential. MacKinnon routinely hit top gear rushing up ice and was able to consistently generate quality looks at net – in zone or off the rush. He mustered up 12 shot attempts, seven scoring chances, and was fully deserving of his reward with the overtime winner. It was an unfriendly reminder that sometimes superstars can completely take over games regardless of the players they're matched up against.
3. Mike Smith held the fort
The Flames had quite a few issues in G2. Goaltending was certainly not one of them. Smith faced 39 shots – 18 of which came off the sticks of MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, or Tyson Barrie – and stopped 36, good for a .923 save percentage. He looked sharp and confident in the process, too. His angles and movements were sharp, allowing him to quickly square up to shooters on numerous dangerous slot shots. He also did a good job of keeping things tight when Avs players tried to open him up on breakaways or odd-man rushes. I was hard on Smith for much of the year – deservedly so, I think – but, quite honestly, this series could be 2-0 Avs if not for Smith's play.
4. The top line remains an issue
Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, and Elias Lindholm were better than in Game 1. I think they spent more time in the offensive zone and Monahan did manage to pot a goal. With that said, they still weren't overly dangerous – especially given the usual standards. At 5v5, they only accounted for one high-danger chance. This after accounting for one high-danger chance the previous game. Call me crazy, but I don't think that's close to good enough from a line making ~$18 million per season. They need to step up; and fast.
5. Shake it up
I've liked Sam Bennett's game thus far. He's taken some good shifts away from his usual linemates, and he made a great play assisting on Rasmus Andersson's PP marker. I think Mark Jankowski and James Neal have been much less effective, and that 3rd line as a whole hasn't played well. I would like to see Austin Czarnik reinserted into the lineup in place of Neal. I doubt it will happen – Neal has a fat contract, and is a 'playoff player' – but it should. Neal has created nothing and his 21.11 xGF% ranks last on the team. Bennett and Jankowski have dominated alongside Czarnik, and last night's game should be a big-time eye-opener that the Flames could use a spark.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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