The Calgary Flames got out to the early lead last night, and kept it that way for the rest of the game. A complete performance from the home team resulted in a 5-1 victory.

Statistical Breakdown

5v5 SVA CF% SCF% HDCF% xGF% 58.4% 54,6% 56.2% 59.8% 40.8% 45.4% 43.9% 40.3%

Team Stats

5v5 Player Stats

Calgary Flames

Mark Jankowski posted a ridiculous game high 88.9% CF%, albeit in only 7:33 of ice time

Oliver Kylington has the toughest night in terms of possession, posting a 35.0% CF%

Only five Flames skaters posted a CF% below 50%

Derek Ryan and Sam Bennett were both on the ice for 7 HDCF and only 2 HDCA

Opponent

Before his ejection, Darren Helm led his team in CF% at 71.4%

Ironically, the Red Wings only had five skaters post a CF% above 50%. In fact, four skaters posted sub 30% CF%’s

Andreas Athanasiou was on the ice for 6 HDCA, and only one HDCF

Stats courtesy: Natural Stat Trick

Thoughts on the Game

A real solid start-to-finish complete game from the Flames last night, easily their best of the season. The most impressive part of the game was that all four lines and three defensive pairings played a key role in securing the win. Although some players were limited in ice-time, every single skater made the most of their opportunities. Especially after Andrew Mangiapane and Elias Lindholm left with injuries, other players stepped up in their absense.

The brightest stars from last night have to be Sam Bennett and Milan Lucic. Both currently having a tougher start to the season, but they looked to hit another gear last night. Bennett scored his first of the season, while Lucic netted his first point as a Flame on that goal. The entire game both players looked extremely engaged. Lucic finished with three shots, two iHDCF, four hits, and was second on the team with a 67.9% CF% at 5v5. Bennett similarly had four shots, generated four iSCF, and was truly dangerous in the offensive zone.

David Rittich also had a very strong outing again, which looks to be the trend this season. Outside of his Vegas performance, he’s been nothing short of spectacular for the Flames. Calm, consistent, and overly charming, Rittich is just what the Flames need in between the pipes this season.

Finally, it would be a major loss to see either Mangiapane or Lindholm out of the lineup for any period of time. Lindholm’s looked worse, but I would expect to see #88 out longer based on the play itself. If it’s Lindholm who is injured, expect Dube to be recalled, but if it’s Mangiapane then it’s likely Rinaldo or Quine will be coming up from Stockton.

The Gaud, the Bad, and the Beautiful(win)/UGLY(Loss)

Good: The Flames powerplay went 2/5 last night, but looked to have a solid chance on each man advantage. It’s starting to heat up.

Bad: The whole Lindholm/Darren Helm interaction was not great to watch, but how Helm handled it should warrant a bit of change out of his pocket.

Beautiful: A bunch of firsts last night: Bennett’s first goal, Ryan’s first goal and multi-point night, and Lucic’s first point. The bottom six was heavily criticized, and they really responded tonight.

Next Game

Opponent: Los Angeles Kings

Record: 2-5-0

Standings: 8th in the Pacific/Central/Atlantic/Metropolitan

Season Series: 0-0-1

Photo by: Derek Leung / Getty Images