In a game the coach preached as the first real test of the preseason (due to pro rosters) the Calgary Flames got thoroughly manhandled by the Vancouver Canucks. Multiple shorthanded goals against, broken coverage in the middle of the ice allowing for way too many breakaways, and the only goal they were able to get was a mile offside. Truly a disastrous night for all involved… good thing it doesn’t count. That’s the beauty of the preseason, it doesn’t count for anything, and you can move on with minimal consequences. For the veterans at least, those on the bubble that have survived multiple cut rounds should be playing their behinds off to ensure they start the year in the NHL.

It’s a Team Game – I like writing these because the numbers do not tell the entire story in every game. By the time Calgary was accumulating 5v5 high danger chances the Canucks had a 4-0 lead. It was congregated to a small amount of time as well – not being spread out as a consistent attack over time. Rather, it was a really good stretch for a brief time carrying the percentages. Context matters – individually these are tools to take quick glances, but after collecting enough of a sample inferences can be made about where players are at or where they could go. It’s why basing Rory Kerins’ performance of any one such game – in the pre-season no less – is a slap in the face to all the work he’s put in prior. Grinding through the ECHL and finding all-star success in the AHL – he’s more than earned his real shot. Him showing up to camp early and dominating lesser competition just showcases he is ready for the challenge – one that only the regular season can determine if he’s up for or not.

Also, just because it needs to be said more than once, that was very bad goaltending from the Flames side.

Corsi King – Martin Pospisil (86.53 CF%) got injured and had to leave the game – no update on his status at the time of writing. I do question why in a blowout game the coach isn’t sending out the guys he’s concerned about playing at the pro level more often – like Kerins (55.25 per cent) – but the amount of rust clearly visible on some veterans may have played a part in that. I’m pretty positive tonight was supposed to be the opening night defence, and they got cooked. Specifically, Kevin Bahl (29.71 per cent) and Rasmus Andersson (41.91 per cent) – who were major players in the number of breakaways surrendered.

Taken By Chance – I was extremely happy that the Flames did not settle for point shots at 5v5 and actually tried to crash the crease. Kevin Lankinen was rock solid, and the high danger looks Calgary did get were not enough to beat him. Fun fact: Brayden Pachal (59.80 SCF% // 100 HDCF%) led the way at 5v5 with no high danger chances against while being on for 5 for. Zayne Parekh (55.52 per cent // 100 per cent), Pachal’s partner playing on his off-shooting side, also slayed with a great outing. He’s a stretch pass king and has shown tremendous skill at breaking the play out of his own zone with crisp, accurate passes. He’s clearly going to develop into a major problem for opposing teams with a weak pressure system. Did four goals go in on him – yes, but I’ll take the ridiculous positives with the growing pains any day oof the week. Besides this is a great showcase of how bad goaltending can affect +/- and why we need to be very careful how much weight we put behind that stat. (Parekh was -4)

xGF% – Connor Zary (92.73 per cent) should probably be playing more once the season starts. Prior to his injury last season, he was one of the bright spots with Coronato (56.13 per cent) – I’m hoping this limited ice time stuff is just early pre-season. Sharangovich (68.75 percent) and Farabee (64.41 per cent) are the ones, in my own opinion, that need to come out and show they can hit their previous career averages otherwise that ice time needs to go somewhere more productive – like developing a kid with fantastic levels of creativity in his game. Should probably mention Matvei Gridin (33.76 per cent) was much more reserved tonight playing next to the captain. Those two older gentlemen seemed to also be shaking some rust off – very uncharacteristic like turnovers – and it affected Gridin’s night. Again, the AHL is never a bad place to go and light It up and I would like him to go there and light it up. Just 19 years old it’s okay to take some time in the second-best league in the world – the AHL – to be a prominent piece for years to come.

In The Crease – Did this game really do anything to solve who the backup is going to be? Fundamentally both goalers looked weak, letting in goals no player should ever let in. It was both sides, both gave up a shorthanded goal, both let several goals in for half the game – 5 for Prosvetov, 3 for Cooley. Really just not good for anyone involved. Is Prosvetov’s journey back from Russia more valuable than Cooley being on a one-way deal this season? Time will tell – because right now I sure can’t.

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