In the first of a quick two-game western road trip, the Calgary Flames were unable to find any offence against the stingy Arizona Coyotes. Although there were plenty of chances, the Flames couldn’t solve Darcy Kuemper. Even though there were no goals, there were plenty of fireworks in a feisty Pacific Division game, but the Flames would still lose their third straight 3-0.
Statistical Breakdown
| 5v5 SVA | CF% | SCF% | HDCF% | xGF% |
 | 57.9% | 66.8% | 59.5% | 64.1% |
 | 42.1% | 33.2% | 40.5% | 35.9% |
Team Stats
5v5 Player Stats
Calgary Flames
- Derek Ryan led the team, and posted a game high, in CF% with a crazy 82.4%. Linemates Andrew Mangiapane and Sam Bennett were close behind with 81.3% and 78.6% respectively
- Five Flames skaters posted negative possession ratings, with Michael Frolik the lowest with 44.4%
- Sean Monahan posted 3 iHDCF and was on the ice for 5 HDCF at 5v5
Opponent
- Aaron Ness was the only Coyote with a positive possession rating, posting a team high CF% of 56.5%
- Alex Goligoski had a rough game with the puck, posting a game worst CF% of 26.5%
- In an tougher statistical game for the Coyotes, Jason Demers was on the ice for 3 HDCF and 0 HDCA.
Stats courtesy: Natural Stat Trick
Thoughts on the Game
The Flames have been held out of the win column for three games now, and it’s not looking very good. Yesterday’s matinee was just another example of the Flames simply being outplayed and really not being able to generate quality chances. Sure their underlying numbers show they outplayed the Coyotes, which is true, but they never felt truly in the game. They had a ton of chances, but they were all handled by Kuemper, or the post. The Flames also made two critical mistakes, both of which ended up in the back of their net. Call it unlucky, call it unfortunate, but those mistakes simply cannot happen.
The biggest word that was being thrown around during the game last night was “emotion”. The Flames appear to have been lacking that aspect across the opening half of the game. Whether it be T.J. Brodie‘s absence, or other factors, it’s something the Flames don’t appear to really have a ton of this season. Many of the Flames top players appear to be disengaged for large portions of the games, and it really does look to be trickling down the lineup. 22 games into the season, it’s no longer a “let’s wait and see” type feeling, the Flames really need to start producing and soon.
Of course, there was a ton of emotion shown in yesterday’s biggest highlight: a second period brawl involving all 12 players on the ice. Goalies got involved, although they didn’t really drop the mitts, but it was a real old school dust-up. Although the Coyotes ended up with the victory, it was a tough look for Demers to simply buckle at the cross-check from Gaudreau. And even with the shutout victory, Kuempers virtual headlock of Tkachuk could have ended much worse. Of course Tkachuk is that type of player that needs to be neutralized, but it good to see everyone getting a little feisty; especially David Rittich.
Outside of that excitement, there was not much else to be had from yesterday’s performance. No real stand out players and frankly that’s not good news especially heading into Vegas tonight, a place they have not won in as of yet.
The Not-So Good, the Bad, and the UGLY
Not-So Good: What role is Mark Jankowski playing for this team right now? 0 goals, 0 points, a +/- of -9, and 0 shots last night. He is having an atrocious start to the season and that’s extremely concerning for a fourth line center making $1.75M per season.
Bad: Hey Sportsnet. Fix your coverage.
Ugly: Another four minor penalties last night, which gives the Flames 93 on the season. That is most in the NHL and 10 more than the second place team (Washington Capitals have 83).
Next Game
Opponent: Vegas Golden Knights
Record: 9-9-3
Standings: 6th in the Pacific
Season Series: 0-1-0
Photo by: Getty Images
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