We got our money’s worth in that one!
Two fights, six regulation goals, some scores settled, some new animosities established, a thrilling overtime, and an entertaining shoot out with the goalie equivalent of the mic drop to put the game away.
Crazy!
The Flames had leads of 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 before needing extra time to grab the two points in a 4-3 shoot out victory on Wednesday night in a huge Pacific Division tilt.
The win gives the Flames 60 points and control of 2nd place in the division, two points back of the Canucks who won again tonight in San Jose.
This could be a fun ride.
Line Up Changes
Three changes that we know of … as the team didn’t have a morning skate so the way they line up for their first shifts will be the delayed tell as to the exact combinations.
The big one given Cam Talbot’s struggles last night is David Rittich coming in to lead the Flames. Rittich had a good run before the all star break (save for the game in Ottawa), and looked pretty unbeatable in the wacky 3 on 3 game on the weekend. It will be interesting to see if he has that gear the rest of the way.
No change on the blueline as Mark Giordano is paired with TJ Brodie, Noah Hanifin lining up with Travis Hamonic, and Oliver Kylington playing with Rasmus Andersson.
Up front we know that Mark Jankowski and Dillon Dube are coming out while Zach Rinaldo and Tobias Rieder enter the fray. I’m fine with both moves as I think Rinaldo brings a certain energy, and Rieder has great speed.
My guesses at the lines; Elias Lindholm between Matthew Tkachuk and Andrew Mangiapane, Sean Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau and likely Buddy Robinson (this won’t last but why not for back to back nights). From there it gets tough though. I’d assume pairings of Derek Ryan and Milan Lucic, and Mikael Backlund with Sam Bennett. Would probably make sense to put Rieder with the first pair, and Rinaldo with the latter.
The Change They Didn’t Make
Happy to see Geoff Ward didn’t hit the panic button and scratch Oliver Kylington after his “adventures” last night.
He had a terrible game, showing more rust (nerves?) than any of his teammates this side of goaltender Cam Talbot, so the case could certainly be made that he should do some gazing from a press box distance.
But the alternative is Michael Stone against an Edmonton team looking for matchup advantages and that just wouldn’t play well.
I’m all for Stone getting the odd turn, you need to keep your 7th defenseman from having grass grow between his toes, but I’d rather have the mistake potential with speed of Kylington over a lack of mobility against McDavid.
First Period Fireworks
Generally not a good thing to send two of your best four forwards off in the first period for fighting majors, but spiritually you had to like both exchanges in a heated first period.
First Sean Monahan on the way to the bench bumps Nugent Hopkins, who slashes him, only to get a cross check from Monahan and the gloves came off. Pretty intense fight for two guys that don’t go that often; it was Monahan’s first fight of his career, and Nugent Hopkins 3rd.
Then of course the title match between Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Kassian after the Flame’s forward asked earlier in the period only to be turned down.
So Can We Put This to Bed Now?
Matthew Tkachuk has fought Zach Kassian, the old school and the obsessive compulsive from Edmonton can now let it go right?
That’s now eight scraps in three and a half seasons in the NHL, clearly the guy drops the gloves, but on his terms. The turtle nonsense should dissipate.
Or does he have to fight Kassian whenever he wants?
Kassian turned down Tkachuk earlier in the game, so you have to think he’s allowed to go when he wants right?
Either way I’m glad it’s done, but I really hope he doesn’t lay off on going after Kassian physically. Make sure they’re clean but continue to get in his kitchen.
The Giordano / McDavid Thing
Have to admit Mark Giordano has a bit of a rep for sticking out body parts. He’s been suspended for it, and come close on other occasions.
He’s not Bryan Marchment, he’s not sticking knees out and targeting, but he is a desperation player that wants to impede any player that is about to beat him. Likely something he needs to work on.
Tonight he didn’t stick out his skate as much as he left it out probably knowing exactly what the impact would be. I think it should have been two minutes, but certainly not the international incident that Sportsnet made it out to be.
McDavid is a heck of a player and I’m glad he’s ok, but it’s just insane how the world needs to stop when he gets fouled. Last time I checked the Darnell Nurse hit from behind on Matthew Tkachuk is a more dangerous play.
Mr. Mangiapane
What to make of Mr. Andrew Mangiapane.
After a three point night in Edmonton on December 27th the guy went pointless for 11 games before finding the net twice tonight in a huge game back in Alberta’s capital city.
He drives the play like almost no other on the team, but tonight aside, has quite possibly the worst finishing skills this side of Sam Bennett. To me there’s value in driving play for quality linemates even if you don’t cash in enough, more time in the offensive zone for Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm is certainly a good thing.
The team needs an upgrade on the Monahan line, but I wouldn’t expend too many assets on adding a second top six piece. They already have him.
Big Save Dave
What more can you say about the guy?
After a memorable weekend with the all stars he was all business tonight in turning away the Oilers and finding a way to beat his former battery mate in Mike Smith.
I didn’t like the Matt Benning goal (for Rittich or the walked around Noah Hanifin), and he used some help by two posts in the shoot out, but he’s a money goaltender when the chips are down.
Get this guy signed.
Loved the mic drop.
Counting Stats
Team Stats:
Shots – Flames 28 Oilers 34
Face Offs – Flames 53%
Special Teams – Flames 0/1 Oilers 1/4
Player Stats:
Points – Andrew Mangiapane led all Flame’s skaters with two points on the night, both goals.
Plus/Minus – Mangiapane, Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm were all +2 to pace the club.
Shots – Mark Giordano was second to none with four shots on goal.
Fancy Stats
The Flames with leads three times in the game certainly experienced some score effects as they finished with just 46% of the shot attempts with period splits of 50%/44% and 31%. What’s interesting about the splits is the fact that the teams had 50 shot attempts in the first period (25 each), but only 38 the rest of the way. In terms of scoring chances the Oilers enjoyed a five on five edge of 9-6. Expected goal splits fell 64% to the hosts.
In all situations the Flames had 45% of the shot attempts, 35% of the high danger chances and an xGF% of 35%. Thank you Mr. Rittich.
Individually, the Flames had huge bounce back games from their third pairing as Rasmus Andersson led the club with 63%, and Oliver Kylington was 4th at 58%. Sean Monahan was 61%, while Johnny Gaudreau, Derek Ryan and Mark Giordano also had good nights. At the other end of the spectrum all of Travis Hamonic, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Tobias Rieder finished at under 40%.
