Game 4 was much more like what we expected out of the Calgary Flames this post season. A huge 4–1 victory evened up the series with the Dallas Stars as it shifts back to Calgary tonight.
In a 2–2 series, history has shown that more than 75% of Game 5 winners go on to win the series. It’s another massive game for the Flames, but after feeling much more like themselves, and actually getting the results they needed, you know the momentum is shifting in their favour.
That being said, it’s a one-game-at-a-time mentality and with the Stars likely to make some lineup changes, we are in for another solid game tonight.
Round 1, Game 5
Dallas Stars @ Calgary Flames
Scotiabank Saddledome
7:30PM MDT
Lineups
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames lineup could see some changes after Game 4 since they played with 11F and 7D. Updates to follow.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars lineup is expected to change after Game 4. Head Coach Rick Bowness confirmed that there will be a new lineup and the top line could be broken up. Updates to follow.
Series so far
| Team | CF% | xGF% | SCF% | HDCF% | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Flames | 60.4% | 56.9% | 57.1% | 58.7% | 93.4% |
| Dallas Stars | 39.6% | 40.4% | 42.9% | 41.3% | 95.3% |
The Flames completely dominated Game 4, leading to a jump in all of their underlying numbers. With a franchise record number of shots on goal for a non-overtime playoff game, the Flames completely swarmed the Stars from start to finish.
Another welcome sign was that the Flames were able to finally get some quality HDCF at 5v5, which had been lacking in Games 2 and 3. If the Flames can keep up this level of play, it’s going to be hard for the Stars to match it.
Players to watch
Dallas: Jason Robertson
It’s almost scary how quiet Jason Robertson has been this series. The line of him, Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski was supposed to match the level of the Flames’ top unit. Well they still can do it and although they may be broken up this game, I expect to see Robertson and Pavelski kept together. It could be a breakout game for him.
Calgary: The entire middle-six
If you ignore Mikael Backlund’s empty net goal from Monday, the middle six has produced zero offensive this series. The team needs more from Andrew Mangiapane, Blake Coleman, Dillon Dube, Calle Jarnkrok, and Tyler Toffoli. They are playing well and generating chances, in addition to losing few battles (aside from the playoff circle) so the trend can’t continue forever. This team needs the extra punch.
