Flames Visual Recap 72: Hanifin picks up three primary assists as Calgary extends win streak to four

The Calgary Flames had a quick stop in Seattle to close out their four-game road trip and were aiming to make it West Coast sweep, having previously won all three games in California. Jacob Markstrom started his 57th game of the campaign, while the defence corps saw Nikita Zadorov return to the lineup, Connor Mackey continue to play, while Oliver Kylington and Erik Gudbranson were out.

First period

It’d be the Flames first game against the Kraken without having to face former captain Mark Giordano, making it a matchup against two captainless teams.

Early in the first period, the Flames got onto the board first. Calgary cycled the puck in the offensive zone and the puck eventually made its way to Noah Hanifin. A quick shot through traffic was tipped by Blake Coleman to put the Flames up by one.

However, just over a minute later, Karson Kuhlman scored on a nifty passing play for a one-timer over Markstrom’s blocker. Over the opening frame, the Kraken held a large edge in shot attempts in the first period, but the Flames were much more dangerous and created better opportunities.

In fact, with just 17 seconds left in the period with a delayed penalty call against the Kraken, Trevor Lewis had his stick planted in the crease to deflect a pass from Hanifin’s past Philipp Grubauer to restore the one-goal lead.

Second period

In the second period, the Flames were much more tenacious on the puck at even strength, and their special teams shone as well. With their second power play unit on the ice near the period’s midpoint, Michael Stone was wide open to take his patented slap shot to send a laser of a shot into the far corner. The goal also marked Hanifin’s third primary assist of the game.

Then later in the period, the Flames were called for several straight penalties, with a couple leading to a lengthy two-man advantage for the Kraken. However, the Flames’ penalty kill was sharp and Markstrom saved everything that made it to him.

With Stone’s goal being the sole marker of the period, the Flames held a two-goal lead going into the final frame.

Third period

The Flames had several straight power play opportunities in the third period with three straight penalties called against the Kraken. However, they were unable to convert on any of their chances to extend their lead.

The Flames had a few miscues in the final ten minutes of the period. First, they were called for two many men on the ice but were able to survive the Kraken’s power play onslaught.

Then with minutes to go, Johnny Gaudreau sent the puck over the glass for a delay of game. This gave the Kraken an opportunity to pull their goalie for a multi-man advantage, but instead the Flames were able to drive in the final nail, as Dillon Dube and Tyler Toffoli were sprung on a fast break with no one to stop them. Dube had a wide-open net to shoot at but he opted to pass to Toffoli for the shorthanded goal.

Guess who sprung Dube on the opportunity? Hanifin. He reached a new career-high by assisting on all of Calgary’s goals in the game.

The empty-netter would be the last goal of the game, 4–1 final score. The Flames win their fourth straight game and return back to the Saddledome with an eight-point lead for the Pacific Division crown.

Data visualisations of the game are below!