Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Five notes from Calgary vs Toronto:
1. The Flames were lethal
They didn’t actually create a ton in terms of raw scoring chances. The Maple Leafs recorded 15 more, although some extended power play time certainly helped the cause. The Flames were deadly when they got them, though.
Be it a botched line change, a bad pinch, a turnover, etc., the Flames were quick to pounce on any mistake the Maple Leafs made. That was especially evident in the 3rd period, when the Flames turned the game on its head scoring three times in ~three minutes to start the frame.
This game was yet another example of the quality over quantity style they’ve played under Geoff Ward. There weren’t many Grade B chances but, at the end of the day, they still recorded double digit Grade As and were expected to score 3.01 goals, the 3rd highest output during this 8-0-1 run.
Converting on a high rate helps – four goals on 24 shots vs a potential Vezina finalist is insane – but it’s not like they’re burying low-percentage point shots. All four goals came from the top of the circles and in, which is becoming a common theme.
2. Johnny was Johnny
Remember when people were talking about trading Johnny Gaudreau, a superstar in his prime? Good times, good times. No. 13 potted another two goals last night and recorded a game-high five scoring chances at 5v5 alone. He was incredible.
Gaudreau now has four goals and six points (all primary) in seven games with Ward running the ship. It’s no fluke, either, as he leads the team in shot attempts, shots on goal and scoring chances during that time. He’s back, folks.
3. BSD did his thing
He did what he does best: make big saves.
The Maple Leafs peppered him with 34 shots on goal and 14 Grade A chances. It didn’t matter. He made numerous high-end stops, and had a little help from his friend (the goal post) when he did need it.
I think Toronto was pretty deflated for most of the 3rd period. The 5-on-3 power play woke them up for a couple minutes, though, and Rittich ensured that spark didn’t turn into a fire. He made four of five quality saves, including one where he sprawled to stretch out and rob John Tavares – one of the league’s best finishers – just outside the paint.
His save percentage is now up to .914 on the year, which is well above league average, and he’s posted those numbers while carrying the league’s largest workload. He’s developing into a quality No. 1 right before our eyes.
4. There’s a method to the madness
If you’re wondering why Ward elects to give Gaudreau some run on the 3rd line, look no further than last night’s game.
Milan Lucic, Derek Ryan, and Dillon Dube played a hair under eight minutes as a trio against Toronto. In that time, the Leafs held a 17-3 edge in terms of shot attempts and out-chanced them 10-1. The ice was completely tilted almost every time they went out there.
I’m not saying it is ideal but, given the current structure of the lines, Gaudreau simply has to get reps on L3.
5. L4 killed it...again
I thought Tobias Rieder, Mark Jankowski, and Michael Frolik were terrific last night. Their puck pursuit was awesome, their speed was a factor, they were dangerous off the rush, they controlled play (~74 CF%, ~67 SCF%), and, most importantly, scored a goal. The lone blemish for them, really, was a Mark Jankowski penalty on Pierre Engvall and I don’t think it should have been called.
Ward is mixing and matching on the 4th line pretty consistently right now and whatever combination he goes with continues to work out. If the Flames can bank on quality showings from L4 with this sort of regularity, they’re going to be in really good shape.
Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
Recent posts:
Talbot, opportunistic scoring lead to yet another win
Milan Lucic proves unstoppable in win over Kings
My choices for Calgary’s three stars of the month in November
Trading Johnny Gaudreau is crazy talk
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»