Statistical Breakdown

5v5 SVA CF% SCF% HDCF% xGF% 61.8 64.3 28.6 54.6 38.2 35.7 71.4 45.4

Team Stats

5v5 Player Stats

Calgary Flames

Mark Jankowski (yes you read that right) led the way for the Flames tonight with 88.9% CF

T.J. Brodie finished the game with a team low 45.8% CF

Mila Lucic and Andrew Mangiapane were on the ice for 2 HDCF events for and none against

Opponent

Shayne Gostisbehere had a 50% CF- a team high

Calgary-born Carsen Twarynski had a team low 18.2% CF

James Van Riemsdyk and Kevin Hayes were on the ice for 3 HDCF events for and none against

Stats courtesy: Natural Stat Trick

Thoughts on the Game

The Flames played a good, tight game tonight. They started the game on time, took the game to the Flyers, and kept their opponents on their toes. They also managed to limit the Flyers to only 22 shots, most of which came from the outside. Their penalty kill was strong all night, limiting chances against. And when the Flyers managed to break inside, David Rittich was right there with a big save.

Before tonight’s game, only four Flames forwards had found the back of the net this season: Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk, Johnny Gaudreau, and Elias Lindholm. Tonight was everyone else’s chance to shine. Michael Frolik and Mangiapane scored the two goals on Brian Elliott, while Lindholm put one in the empty net to seal the win.

Every Flames forward was above 50% Corsi For tonight, which is incredibly rare. For the first time this season, the line of Jankowski, Sam Bennett and Austin Czarnik looked excellent. They allowed zero shot attempts against, and generally were strong on the puck all night long. Although none of them found the back of the net, they kept the Flyers forwards at bay and allowed the top players to get some much needed rest.

One thing that the Flames did really well was to pressure the Flyers defencemen around the net. The Flyers defence is one of the most offensively gifted in the league, but they have struggled on the defensive end. The Flames managed to slow their breakout passes, and force the Flyers to clear the puck or give it up to the pressing forwards. A very well developed strategy by the Flames coaching staff.

Once again Big Save Dave was at his best tonight. Stopping a handful of chances in tight, including an incredible save off of Sean Couturier who was left unguarded right in front of the net. High Danger Corsi For was 5-2 Flyers, and Rittich managed to keep four of them out of the net. Any doubt about him being a bona fide NHL starter this season are quickly being put to bed.

The boys in red played a strong 60 minute game tonight, and shut the Flyers down in the third period when they pushed for the tying game. This was the first time this season that the Flames looked like the team that won 50 games last year.

The Gaud, the Bad, and the Beautiful

Good: Frolik scores his first goal of the season in his 800th career game. 3M forever

Bad: Mikael Backlund took a shot to the leg midway through the third period, and had to crawl off the ice. Thankfully he finished the game on the bench

Beautiful: Big. Save. Dave.

Next Game

Opponent: Detroit Red Wings

Record: 3-3-0

Standings: 5th in the Atlantic

Season Series: 0-0-0

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