The Flames came very close to being “Hartley’d” by the Arizona Coyotes on Wednesday night.
They carried the play, they narrowly carried the shot clock, but they dominated the possession game but found themselves down 1-0 with only 13 minutes to play despite a solid performance from backup goaltender Chad Johnson. Hold the funeral procession however, as rookie Matthew Tkachuk goes short short side on Mike Smith leading to a Michael Frolik overtime goal in erasing an annoying loss and replacing it with an great come from behind victory.
The win gives the Flames a two game win streak for only the third time this season, and puts a little bit of sunshine into a dressing room filled with gloom after the Johnny Gaudreau injury news.
The Flow
Not going to lie to you, the first period was not, I repeat not, an overly exciting period. No goals, just next to zero in terms of scoring chances and not a whole lot to talk about. The Flames were out shot 8 to 5 though shot attempts read 17 to 15 for the Flames in case anyone cares. Want to flip it back to Arizona? Scoring chances were 4 to 1 for the Yotes in a very non-descript period. Consolation for the Flames is their last 90 seconds may have been their best.
The Flames played a solid second period. They had the lion’s share of the chances including two golden opportunities by Michael Frolik but couldn’t solve giant goaltender Mike Smith. Their powerplay minus Johnny Gaudreau actually had some chances, and the team deserved to break the scoreless tie and take hold of the game. But in the end it was a backbreaker in the last minute to Tobias Reider that put the Coyotes up 1-0, sending the Flames to the dressing room feeling somewhat shorted.
Not exactly the start you’re looking for as a Calgary booster, as they ice the puck twice in 45 seconds and then take a tripping minor to Michael Frolik. They kill that off however and then get to work in attempting to tie things up. Things were looking grim for the Flames as they failed to generate a whole lot, but then an odd angle shot by Matthew Tkachuk goes off the back of Smith’s helmet and into the top of the net and suddenly it’s a brand new game.
1. Michael Frolik:Scored the over time winner, had two blue chip chances to score others in the second period, and was helpful on the Tkachuk goal that forced overtime.
2. Mike Smith: For a rusty goaltender the guy was looking ready to rock. He only faced 22 shots but that wasn’t the story as the Flames had a huge lead in scoring chances on the night.
3. Matthew Tkachuk:Maybe didn’t have the same fanfare as Monahan and Bennett in his draft year, but the guy can straight up play. Big goal to get the game to overtime, but looked good all night.
Big Save
Honestly you can have your pick of Michael Frolik chances in the second period on Michael Smith. First Backlund and Tkachuk set him up coming out of the corner but he can’t get the puck past the outstretched pads of Smith on the far side. Then a bounce off an official creates a give and go between Tkachuk and Frolik with Smith robbing Frolik with a trapper save.
The Goat
Brad Richardson has to get this doesn’t he? Huge turnover in overtime leading to a Michael Frolik breakaway and a Flame’s game winner.
Mr. Clutch
Flame’s fourth line. Loved the energy and play of the trio of Linden Vey, Micheal Ferland and Freddie Hamilton. They were dominant in keeping pucks deep and creating scoring chances, playing physical and providing a burst to the bench. That’s two times in two nights getting it done. Keep that group together.
Odds and Ends
Not the news the team was looking for in hearing that Johnny Gaudreau would be lost to the club for the next four to six weeks with a broken finger from an Erik Staal slash against the Wild last night. My theory is bad luck, that all skill players get whacked (discussion for another day as to whether or not the league should take steps to end this fact) and personally I feel the reason he doesn’t get calls is because he tends to act like every hook and slash are epic in nature. I don’t think it has to do with Wideman and his annihilation of a linesman, nor do I think it’s because he’s small and they don’t want to show favouritism (two theories floated). He shows referees up, something he has to put behind him. … His absence results in Sam Bennett moving up the roster to take his place on a line with Sean Monahan and Troy Brouwer. I’ve often wondered if Sean Monahan’s development has been hurt by playing with a wow factor player like Gaudreau for a season and a half, perhaps this will be an opportunity to kick start both he and Bennett. The trickle down has essentially created two scoring lines and two fourth lines, a drop in the depth that we’ve seen this season to date. … Anyone else find it funny that you have a goaltender named Smith playing a goaltender named Johnson? Come on, what’s your real name buddy! Ok, probably just me. … Pretty clear to me that Matthew Tkachuk is inexplicably playing with more poise and calm than either Sean Monahan or Sam Bennett which is quite odd. Sure they are picks 6, 4 and 5 in the three of the last four drafts, but in terms of experience that shouldn’t be happening. … Back to back games with Garnett Hathaway creating powerplay opportunities through his grit and determination. Exactly what he needs to do in order to keep in this league. … So great game for Dougie Hamilton. He was physical, got pucks to the net and skated the puck well. His underlying numbers are always good, yet with back to back coaches he’s been overlooked when it comes to what should be a no brainer as the team’s third most utilized defenseman. I just don’t see it, but I’m willing to admit I don’t see everything. Attitude problem? Uncatchable? Or two coaches looking to win that don’t want to live with young players making mistakes? … I get the penalty to Wideman for the pick, but you have to manage a game, and if you ignore the cross check knocking Monahan down seconds earlier you ignore that one too. To me that’s the problem with a two referee system. Sure you miss some calls with one guy but he can manage the game from a standpoint of equity. … Back to Bennett. Any coincidence that his play has sagged at almost the moment he was called out for taking stupid penalties in the offensive zone? Maybe he’s trying to learn to play on edge without playing over the edge and it has him flummoxed. He was high on my list as to why the Flames would improve this season, but it’s not happening yet. … Interesting how the Flame’s powerplay looked more dangerous tonight without Gaudreau in the mix. Clearly you want Gaudreau in the lineup, but perhaps the powerplay was becoming Gaudreau instead of having Gaudreau part of the powerplay. Without him their zone entries were pretty sharp and their puck movement much improved. … So how was that goaltending performance? Shut out last night, and one against tonight including a 108 minute streak without allowing a goal. Best backup goaltender in Calgary since …??? Curtis Joseph behind Miikka Kiprusoff for a short period of time several years ago? Two years ago the duo of Kari Ramo and Jonas Hiller were decent but neither was really a back up. Great acquisition by Treliving on July 1st.
Next Up
The Flames conclude this brief 2 game homestand with the Hawks in town on Friday night, their 3rd game against Chicago in 19 stars to begin the season. Fun! Game time 7pm on Sportsnet.
Lines:
Bennett- Monahan – Brouwer
Tkachuk – Backlund – Frolik
Ferland – Stajan – Chiasson
Hamilton – Vey – Hathaway
Giordano – Hamilton
Brodie – Wideman
Kulak – Engelland
Johnson
