Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

G7 Calgary Flames vs Nashville Predators: Five things to watch

October 19, 2018, 11:50 AM ET [68 Comments]
Todd Cordell
Calgary Flames Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell

Five things to watch when the Calgary Flames take on the Nashville Predators:

1. 3M vs NSH1

3M was reunited for Calgary’s clash against Boston and it’s hard to say it wasn’t the right decision. 3M beat Boston’s top line, which I think is the best in the league, on the shot clock and the scoreboard. They were also dangerous while killing penalties.

Tonight they’ll face another tough task trying to slow down the Filip Forsberg - Ryan Johansen - Viktor Arvidsson line. While not quite as prestigious as BOS1, they are still very good. In ~585 minutes together since the beginning of 2017-18, they have controlled 55.9% of the shot attempts and out-scored opponents 38-19. Those are elite numbers.

The problem for Nashville is scoring can be an issue outside of those guys. Forwards expected to skate on lines two through four have combined for just one 5v5 goal in six games thus far. If 3M can limit NSH1, the Flames will have a very good chance of picking up another win.

2. Special teams

They are always important. Tonight, perhaps even more so. We’re still dealing with small sample sizes but the Flames, who have been great at drawing penalties in the past, rank 2nd averaging 5.49 drawn calls/60. The Predators are not far behind sitting 5th with 5.0 drawn calls/60.

Both teams play fast, aggressive hockey and that (clearly) forces opponents into a lot of penalties. If that’s the case again, special teams will play a huge role in deciding the outcome.

3. Better 5v5 play from the top line

Power play production has really masked the fact the Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Elias Lindholm line hasn’t been all that good. At 5v5, they have controlled 43.3% of the shot attempts 42.3% of the chances and been out-scored 6-4. Vancouver aside, they’ve faced some really good teams/tough lines. It could also take some time to fully gel with Lindholm considering he plays nothing like the guy he is replacing (Micheal Ferland). In saying that, you’d expect more from a line worth ~$18 million annually. They need to be better.

4. An emerging duo

Sam Bennett and James Neal have worked surprisingly well since being put together. In ~32 minutes, they’ve controlled almost 60% of the shot attempts while helping the team create 21 chances(!) and out-score opponents 3-1. I think their success could continue tonight against a Nashville team that has some holes in the bottom-6.

5. Mike Smith

The Predators peppered Smith with 43 shots and 14 high-danger chances last time these teams met. While I’d expect a better defensive performance from Calgary tonight, the Predators have not played since Monday and are no doubt chomping at the bit to get back out there. I’d expect them to come out with a lot of juice and test Smith early. He’ll need to be ready.

Here are the projected lineups:

Calgary (via @Fan960Steinberg)

Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Elias Lindholm
Matthew Tkachuk - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik
Sam Bennett - Mark Jankowski - James Neal
Garnet Hathaway - Derek Ryan - Austin Czarnik

Mark Giordano - T.J. Brodie
Noah Hanifin - Rasmus Andersson
Juuso Valimaki - Michael Stone

Mike Smith

Nashville (via DailyFaceoff.com)

Filip Forsberg - Ryan Johansen - Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala - Kyle Turris - Craig Smith
Calle Jarnkrok - Nick Bonino - Ryan Hartman
Zac Rinaldo - Colton Sissons - Miikka Salomaki

Roman Josi - Ryan Ellis
Mattias Ekholm - P.K. Subban
Dan Hamhuis - Yannick Weber

Pekka Rinne

Puck drop is just after 9:00 eastern and can be seen on SN360 and FS-TN.

Numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com and Corsica.Hockey.

Recent posts:

Strong showings from Frolik, Smith lead Flames past Bruins

On Bennett's improved play, drawing penalties, and Brodie's PK usage

Predicting the Pacific Division standings
Join the Discussion: » 68 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Todd Cordell
» Three negatives from the Calgary Flames' 2020-21 campaign
» Three positives from the Calgary Flames' 2020-21 season
» Calgary Flames notes - May 19th
» Three things I'd like to see from the Calgary Flames down the stretch
» G52 Calgary Flames vs Ottawa Senators: Low-danger hockey