The Los Angeles Kings tried to give the Calgary Flames a taste of their own comeback medicine but were thwarted by Dustin Wolf as Calgary ended up with the 3-1 victory.

It’s a Team Game – Hot starts have not been the Flames friend in recent weeks. Seeing them come out of the gates in this match – jumping out to an early seven to nothing shot advantage – was a welcomed sight. The Kings were a little sleepy to start, but they really woke up after Calgary potted the two quick goals in the second period. Andrei Kuzmenko’s stretch pass to Huberdeau should go on the highlight packages for the next month. The Kings kept up the pressure through into the third period and were constantly stonewalled by Dustin Wolf. Eventually one goal got by him by about – in my estimation – one or two inches. It was a tremendous performance in net to seal the Flames win.

Corsi King – Ryan Huska loves to give his guys chances. Martin Pospisil (53.89 CF%) got a shot up the middle again next to Huberdeau (37.94 per cent) and Kuzmenko (44.07 per cent) and it was fun. Absolutely chaotic at times, but still fun to watch. Kuzmenko went from making a drop pass up the wall to nobody all the way to then springing Huberdeau for that breakaway. Kevin Bahl (48.10 per cent) and Rasmus Andersson (44.87 per cent) were their usual top-notch selves. Craig Conroy really found a gem with that one. His age, size, and mobility coupled with the fact they got to see him in action before possibly locking him up long term has all been one fantastic win.

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Taken By Chance – The Amazon Prime broadcast highlighted some of Connor Zary’s (43.56 SCF% || 49.29 HDCF%) great hands to get some great chances off the rush and in tight round the crease. It was great to see him get highlighted for his work on a national level. He is only going to get better at controlling the puck on those dekes the more he keeps trying them. Playing next to Nazem Kadri (38.66 per cent || 37.08 per cent) feels right after all that success last year. Kadri has visibly picked it up the last week after a few rough outings. When he starts buzzing goals start to follow – the offence needs a slight spark so I’m not complaining.

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xGF% – The top gents were Pospisil (65.32 per cent), Bahl (55.72 per cent), and Andersson (56.91 per cent) for quality share. That’s not who deserves a shout-out though, Justin Kirkland (46.91 per cent) deserves the shout-out. He has won over the coach as a preferred everyday option in the Flames lineup and has done nothing but thrived with the opportunity. Some games he’s asked to step up and play top 9 minutes and others he willingly jumps into a scrap on the fourth line. He can do it all and he does it well – I’m so glad he’s finally getting a real shot.

In The Crease – Dustin Wolf was so close to the finish line when that goal barely snuck in. As close to perfect without being perfect as you can possibly be. He continues to display amazing puck tracking skills and profound athleticism. His 5v5 performance was clean with 28 saves and 5 of them high danger. 2.25 expected goals against that were not allowed – it took special teams for them to get the space to score. The best Flame on the ice tonight, a trend that’s been happening with either guy in net this season (and in the minors with Cooley).