The Calgary Flames got great play from their backup as they halted the red-hot Penguins streak with a 2-1 victory in Pittsburgh.

It’s a Team Game – In terms of results, yes this was a win for the guys in red. However, in terms of the process, the Flames continued to struggle to generate much offence and spent a lot of time in their own zone. Devin Cooley was the clear difference maker for the Flames who got some timely goals from the sources you hope show some consistency. Connor Zary pouncing on a brutal pass from Penguins defenceman Ryan Shea to go in alone on a breakaway got him his second goal in as many games. Both the one in Boston and this one did not come from structured team play, rather Zary making a smart read on what was happening and pouncing on the opportunity. Adam Klapka on the forecheck may have led that pass across the line, but if Shea had the chance to do it again, I guarantee you he decides to just get the puck down low in the zone. The power play remains stagnant and the veterans remain off the scoresheet, but you don’t always need your best effort to win in the NHL. Maybe the win sparks some better play as the road trip continues, all we can do is wait and see.

Corsi King – Matt Coronato (74.20 CF%) back in the goal column with his 12th of the season. He and Yegor Sharangovich (71.18 per cent) got the pleasure of playing with the Flames current number one centre in Mikael Backlund (71.04%). As a result of needing to have the captain out there more often Morgan Frost (31.58%) continues to lose ice time. If he’s not going to produce on a nightly basis they need to capitalize on that value too. Not sure how they fill their reliable centre depth if they do move him (like I said earlier in the week, seems like an off-season move), but if Tampa Bay wants Blake Coleman back getting 6’4” Connor Geekie from them wouldn’t bother me at all. He’s almost point-per-game down in the AHL and would fit the mould of what Calgary wants in return. Older prospects ready to jump in the lineup and produce – just a thought.

Taken By Chance – Nazem Kadri (29.88 SCF% // 0 HDCF%) continues to be absent from the scoresheet. He saw a 7-0 high danger chance ratio against him, failing to generate anything of significance at 5v5 with his wingers. 5 straight pointless games and just 1 assist over his last 11 played. He’s got to be at the forefront of all these struggles, maybe not as much as the 10-million-dollar man Huberdeau (58.09 per cent // 37.73 per cent), but that level of production with his contract can’t happen. The rush attack with this team continually fails to incorporate layers into their attack. They break in as a straight line and then wonder how they can’t get to the crease. The way the team is playing is making it very easy for defenders to limit their attack and their lack of foot speed is not helping their cause.

xGF% – Brayden Pachal (41.25 per cent) absolutely levelled a guy in open ice. Old school hockey physicality. I love that, it got me out of my seat. I wanted to end talking positively about Connor Zary (65.06%) who has been the guy to step up recently. He’s taking his offence into his own hands, breaking formation to give himself opportunities and it’s working. Sometimes being a robot can suck what made you a successful player in the first place right out of your game, never forget what got you here. He’s been good with almost any centre not named Frost (55.31 per cent) which I think has been a pretty telling sign for one of those players. Zary was very lost for a couple months, now let’s see if he can maintain it until the Olympics.

In The Crease – This is why I wanted Cooley in the net so bad. He’s been one of the top 5 best backups in the entire league and he showed why in this one. Clear best player on the ice for either team, is the reason the slump is busted and also gives Wolf the rest he needs to get back into his prime form. Yes, I understand he was sick, but a contingency plan for situations like that should be in place. 2.06 expected goals against with just the one getting by him at 5v5. Now that Cooley is healthy I would expect another game from him before the road trip ends.

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