As the Flames headed into the All-Star break on the morning of Jan. 20, a look at the stats sheet showed Sean Monahan was in the midst of a career season, producing 27 goals and 61 points (1.22 points-per-game) in just 50 games. Not only was he on pace to for 44 goals and 100 points, but his underlying numbers were solid too.



Monahan’s possession rate was well above water (54.4 CF%) and the sixth best rate among Calgary forwards. The Flames generated the third highest rate of high danger chances with Monahan on the ice (13.11/60) and the third highest expected goals for rate amongst Flames forwards (2.65 XGF%) at 5-on-5. As a result, Calgary owned over 55 percent of goals for at even strength with Monahan on the ice to that point of the season.



The Flames were one of the best teams in the West, thanks in no small part to their dominant top line and potent number one center.



The team ended the season atop the West, but the final 32 games of the season...