Flames Scoring Chances – 67 versus Columbus

 

 

Flames ride another single period outburst to a victory. Calgary was the second best team on the ice in the first and third, but some PPG’s and some poor goaltending by Mason put the Flames ahead for good in this one. The Blue Jackets ran things up a bit in third while chasing and were probably gifted one too many penalty shots, but the truth is the Flames are dancing with the Devil a bit these days. Their SH% and finish rate on scoring chances is the best since I could remember. They’ll be tough to beat while it continues, but it’s not the most accurate reflection of their actual play.

In terms of individuals, Moss/Glencrss/Jokinen were again the best trio whenever they were together. Moss was seen centering the top lin a bit in the third and for a good reason – he was the only Flame to finish in the black in terms of scoring chances. He’s been probably the team’s best overall player by this measure for the last couple of weeks at least. New guys Modin and Carson didn’t play enough to get a real read on them.

The big guns put up some more points, but were again mostly outplayed at ES. Iginla et al fought the bounces to start the year so are owed a bit of a run here. That said, I’d really prefer they get the bounces AND play well all at once.