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A few observations from Calgary vs Edmonton:
1. The Flames showed real fight. Yes, they were leading for much of the game. But the Oilers kept pushing throughout and really tested the Flames’ will. They scored immediately after Calgary jumped out to a 2-0 lead. The Flames didn’t hang their heads and blow it. They kept playing and answered shortly after. The Oilers pushed hard again, scoring two goals in quick succession – within ~8 minutes game time – to tie things up. Once again, the Flames didn’t cave. They kept their foot on the gas and played through the adversity. In previous years this team seemed really fragile. When something bad happened, it would spiral into three or four events and a game would get out of hand. It’s early, of course, but Darryl Sutter already seems to have instilled real belief into them. They have short memories and keep playing as if nothing happened. It’s really refreshing to see.
2. Defense is key. Calgary has played three games under Sutter. Two came against the Canadiens, one of the most dominant 5v5 teams in the league, and one against the high-flying Oilers. The Flames allowed 18 high-danger chances in more than 150 minutes, which equates to 7.2 per 60. For perspective of how impressive that is, the Panthers allow 7.5 Grade A looks per 60 and that ranks them 1st in the league. I know, I know, three games is a very small sample size. But the structure, and connectivity, Sutter has the Flames playing with is really paying off. If they can continue to limit the top-tier looks, they should be in great shape with a Jacob Markstrom-David Rittich goaltending tandem.
3. Elias Lindholm broke through. In the preview I mentioned how Lindholm’s line was playing very well and that it was only a matter of time before they found the scoresheet. They did just that vs the Oilers. Lindholm picked up a nice primary assist on Dillon Dube’s goal, which opened the scoring, and netted one of his own on a backdoor play to put the team up 2-0. Matthew Tkachuk was left out of the fun but, as a whole, the line was good for two goals and an ~80 xGF% at 5v5. You take that every single time out.
4. Shoutout to Mike Smith. He entered play with a .927 save percentage, which was obviously not sustainable. In the preview I talked about how he’d likely regress sooner than later. He did, and the Flames were on the right end of it. Smith allowed a couple iffy goals and flat-out handed one to the Flames because he continues to be hellbent on playing the puck every single time he can.
I don’t care if he makes a nice stretch pass – one that most other goalies can’t make – every once in a while. He throws away a ton of possessions and, oftentimes, it leads to chances or goals against; like we saw last night. The reward is simply not worth the risk.
numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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