Statistical Breakdown
Team Stats
5v5 Player Stats
Calgary Flames
- Andrew Mangiapane led the Flames in CF% with a game high 72.3%.
- Despite making a number of key plays, Noah Hanifin posted the Flames’ worst CF% at 36%.
- The third pairing of Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington were on the ice for 3 high danger chances for and only one against. Always a good sign for the third pairing.
Vancouver Canucks
- Bo Horvat posted a team high 68% CF%.
- Although he only played 4:04, Jay Beagle posted a game low CF% with 22.2%.
Stats courtesy: Natural Stat Trick
Thoughts on the Game
Despite the numerous penalties, the Flames looked like the better team all night, save for the Canucks’ big push in the third. They dominated the Canucks up and down the ice at 5v5, outshooting them 22-16 at 5v5, and 19-8 at 5v5 after two periods of play.
Discipline was an issue for both teams in this one. Vancouver had two too many men penalties, and Milan Lucic, Elias Lindholm, and Travis Hamonic all took two minors each. The powerplay struggled to get set up, especially struggling to win that first faceoff in the offensive zone. The penalty kill did not look bad, but was saved by broken sticks and missed chances by the Canucks. It’s early in the season, but expect special teams to be something Bill Peters works on this week.
It was a case of the Flames best players being at their best. With a goal from each player on the top line and one assist from Mark Giordano, their top players looked excellent. They were also able to shut down the Canucks’ top players. The Flames defense especially neutralized Elias Pettersson, now allowing him even one shot on net. The Flames were effective at holding the Canucks to the outside, and allowing them very few opportunities for good looks at the net.
However, the star of the night was David Rittich. Stopping all 34 shots he faced, he was truly dialed in. He was sharp, square to the shooter throughout, and was the team’s best penalty killer. In the third period with the Flames down a man, and then down two, Rittich held them in it with a number of huge saves. Plus, he celebrated his team’s goals as well as anyone.
Another Flame who looked excellent was Andrew Mangiapane. He had a lot of jump in his game, taking a number of shots and even throwing a few key hits. While he started the game on the fourth line with Mark Jankowski and Tobias Reider, he ended up swapping places with Michael Frolik at the start of the second to play on the second line. Frolik actually ended up playing more time on the fourth line than the second. It looked like a successful swap, as the trio of Mangiapane, Mikael Backlund, and Matthew Tkachuk posted 75% CF, whereas the 3Ms line finished at 50% CF. This new second line trio was only together for 4:36, but it is definitely something to watch for going forward.
The Gaud, the Bad, and the Beautiful
Good: Johnny Gaudreau scoring a goal and two assists. With five points in two games, he is currently tied for second in NHL scoring. Not too shabby.
Bad: Too many undisciplined penalties. The Flames need to do a better job playing a disciplined hockey game, and not giving the opposing team more chances to score. They currently lead the NHL in penalties taken.
Beautiful: Big. Save. Dave. The Flames number one goalie was excellent all night. He’s a beauty.
Next Game
Opponent: Los Angeles Kings
Record: 0-1-0
Standings: 7th in Pacific
Season Series: 0-0-0
Photo by Gerry Thomas/ NHLI via Getty Images
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