The Flames just continue to roll.
If you want to play it tough, they’ll drop the gloves three times in a first period.
If you want to play it tight, they’ll defend well and out last you, eking out low scoring games.
If you want to play shinny, they’ll fill the net, which was the case today in St. Louis when Calgary energy and St. Louis lethargy resulted in an offensive clinic and a four goal first period before cruising to a 7-2 win on Sunday afternoon.
The Flames have now won the first two of a three game road trip before Christmas, wrapping up the trip in Dallas on Tuesday night.
Line Up Changes
You wouldn’t think the Flames would have time to mix things up between games given the fact they got off the ice yesterday 22.5 hours before they dropped the puck in a new city today.
But think again.
Mike Smith and Mikael Backlund back from injuries, Sam Bennett taking Backlund’s place in the infirmary, Andrew Mangiapane sent to the farm, Kerby Rychel recalled and a very different look for game two on this road trip in St. Louis today.
James Neal moved up to take Bennett’s place on the second line, a new third line comprised of Mark Jankowski, Alan Quine and Austin Czarnik was formed, a new fourth line of Derek Ryan, Garnet Hathaway and Rychel, with the defense pairings left alone.
David Rittich started his second game in two afternoons in the nets.
The Jankowski Case
When the Flames went to nine forwards in the third period in Minnesota, regular second line center (with Backund out) Derek Ryan found himself stapled to the bench along with call up Andrew Mangiapane. So it comes as no surprise that when the dust settled on the lineup today that Derek Ryan would be moved down one spot for the return of the regular second line guy, but another due to a rough game, giving Mark Jankowski the opportunity to play a bigger role.
The results were much like his season; a mixed bag.
Offensively, he looked good on a few shifts, including the first period goal for Alan Quine when Jankowski showed his hands and reach to weave his way into the Blue’s zone before finding an open teammate, ultimately leading to the goal.
All in all he finished with the assist, was +1, with 14.5 minutes of ice time.
The downside was play in his own zone, as he got hemmed in with his linemates far too often, posting a somewhat expected sub 40% CF for the afternoon.
That’s the area he needs to focus on if he’s to move up the roster and seize a role permanently. The whole line and the existing defense pairing are often equally to blame for not getting the puck out but if it happens to a player too often you don’t gain the coach’s trust.
On the season, only Garnet Hathaway has a lower CF% to date, Mark Janowski is 46%.
Two Way Top Unit
Speaking of defense, the top unit for Calgary has had a noticeable change in their play away from the puck since October, with another gear on display today in the first period in St. Louis.
Now don’t get me wrong. This isn’t Bob Gainey and Guy Carboneau laying out a defensive net in their own zone that is not only impenetrable, but almost soul zapping in it’s effect; at least two members of Calgary’s top line just aren’t built that way.
But their back pressure, relentless attack on puck carriers, and ability to steal back loose pucks has made them not only a threat when they have the puck but also a threat when they don’t; a big part in the group’s rise up the scoring leaders board this season.
Monahan’s Play
Speaking of the top line, the guy that surprises me the most these days is Sean Monahan.
Monahan was a shooter, and elite one at that, but really that was it. He was an average passer, not that quick a foot, and certainly not the guy you wanted carrying the puck for any great deal of the time.
This year things have changed. And to be honest given his injury list from last season, maybe they would have changed earlier had he not been so hurt last year and unable to play to his abilities.
His head is up, he’s using his body to protect the puck, he has more dangle in his game, and he’s doing his part to keep pucks alive and contribute to the line’s ability to dominate for big stretches this season.
Truly a number one center now. Those still thinking otherwise are stuck on old opinions with closed eyes and minds.
Special Teams
The Flames special teams had a day, the powerplay going 3/4 and the penalty kill perfect on both opportunities while also potting a short handed goal … the group’s 9th of the season.
Both units are moving up the list as well.
With today’s success the Flames now have the 8th overall powerplay in the league, and the 16th ranked penalty kill.
A few weeks ago they were middling and bottom five so a huge change in their effectiveness, something that has certainly played a large role in propelling the team up the standings. When put together the Flames are now 12th overall with a 102.7% total percentage. The league leaders, Tampa have 113.2%, the tenth place team Dallas has 104%.
Personally I’ve always felt the Flames penalty kill has looked better than their record would suggest, something that is somewhat proven out when you look at the shot metrics. The Flames have the 4th best shot attempts against per 60 when down a man, the 7th best shots against per 60, the 8th best scoring chances against per 60, but like five on five they give up too many high danger chances when killing.
Offensive Offence
With a seven goal outburst the Flames chugged on by the Leafs, Caps and Avalanche this afternoon in terms of total goals. Calgary now sits second with 122 goals on the season, trailing the Lightning by 10.
In terms of goals for per game the Flames moved into 4th spot with 3.59 goals per game, compared to their goals per game against of 2.71.
The Flames are now 2nd overall in goal differential at +29.
Score Effects
When the team has a first period like that, you really want it to just keep rolling.
Maybe they don’t put up 12 goals, as was their pace after 20 but you’d like to keep the chances, domination and entertainment going as you sit there on your Sunday afternoon bouncing between hockey and NFL football.
Today, as per usual, it didn’t work out that way.
One part St. Louis pride, one part the Flames feeling home and cool, the team let up the gas and let the Blues take the play to them to some degree for the rest of the afternoon.
It’s expected, but unwanted.
Standings Implications
The win moves the Flames to 22-10-2 good for first place in the conference, a point ahead of Nashville (Predators have a game in hand) and two points up on Winnipeg (they Jets have two games in hand and are playing tonight against Tampa).
In terms of the division the Flames have a five point lead on the Ducks with even games played, a six point lead on the Knights with a game in hand, and a seven point lead on both the Sharks and Oilers, though both clubs have a game in hand on Calgary.
What’s interesting is the record, at 12 games over .500 the Flames can now win as many as they lose the rest of the way and still make the playoffs, should the cut off point be 94 points. According to clubsportsstats.com if the Flames go .500 they have a 98.6% chance of making the playoffs.
Fancy Stats
Another game with a big lead both on the scoreboard and in terms of shot attempts and possession numbers, and as is quite often the case the first leads to the latter not being supported. Calgary had 71% of the shot attempts five on five in the first period, but then only 41% and 17% in the next two periods as the game looked to be over. In the end the Blues ended up with 53% of the shot attempts, 55% of the scoring chances and 57% of the high danger chances when playing five on five.
In all situations the Flames had 50% of the shot attempts, 49% of the scoring chances and 53% of the high danger chances.
The big one to watch since the team starting playing well, the high danger count against five on five was low again, with St. Louis getting only eight.
Individually, the Flames were led by Mikael Backlund, Matthew Tkachuk and James Neal who all finished above the 70% mark on the day. Other players with solid numbers included; Lindholm, Giordano, Brodie and Gaudreau who were all on the good side of the break even mark. Garnet Hathaway was -2 with only 24% of the shot attempts, joined by Quine and Rychel under 30%.
