The Calgary Flames put in another solid group effort in a 5-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks to remain in the playoff conversation.

It’s a Team Game – The Sharks came out in this game like they were shot out of a cannon. Five minutes in the Sharks had double digit shots on goal, a lead, and all the momentum. All it took was one strong shift from Nazem Kadri and his line to have the Flames answer back with their own goal – a Weegar slapper. Calgary kept the momentum up after that and never let the Sharks really get back into it. When Yegor Sharangovich scored 90 seconds into the third that sealed it for the Flames. They have to scoreboard watch now, hoping either the St. Louis Blues or Minnesota Wild lose on Tuesday, because they still do not control their own fate.

Corsi King – Yegor Sharangovich (67.48 CF%) is developing some nice chemistry with Morgan Frost (57.07 per cent). Zone entries off the rush are getting better and better with every chance they get. The goal 90 seconds into the third came off a nifty drop to Sharangovich as they crossed through the upper slot – creating space for Yegor to let it rip. Third defence pairing showed up in a big way. Brayden Pachal (67.38 per cent) is not someone I normally worry about – he brings a strong defensive game with a limited transitional ability. His partner, Jake Bean (75.21 per cent), played a safe defensive game here. Together they had a real on ice goals advantage of two to nothing. No fingers to point anywhere in their vicinity after that one.

Taken By Chance – MacKenzie Weegar (69.37 SCF% || 67.70 HDCF%) and Joel Hanley (69.17 per cent || 67.70 per cent) are the go-to guys in a close game. From eighth defenceman at the start of the season to a crucial piece to this coaches’ competitive puzzle, honestly Hanley’s story is incredible. He could have been a Masterton nominee too, but there’s no complaints here from it being Justin Kirkland. Just showcases a lot of the positive stories that have happened with the Flames this year. Matt Coronato (68.41 per cent || 57.43 per cent) having a breakout year, Dustin Wolf being a heavy Calder contender, Jonathan Huberdeau (61.07 per cent || 58.30 per cent) having his best offensive season yet, and the crazy leadership presented by Nazem Kadri (65.21 per cent || 79.69 per cent) on a nightly basis are all fantastic storylines present in Calgary this season.

xGF% – Nazem Kadri (69.82 per cent) was on another level. He was keeping plays alive with force low in the attacking zone. Confidence radiating with every play – none better than the dangles he had on display setting up the second goal. Adam Klapka (55.48 per cent) and his combination of size/skill is clicking with Kadri’s strong board play. He also brings in an above average understanding of how to approach the rush attack. Some guys are used as just forecheckers, like Pospisil (35.63 per cent), but Klapka has showcased for three weeks now he has the tools of an everyday top 9 NHL forward.

In The Crease – This game could have been over five minutes in, but Dustin Wolf showcased why he deserves the Calder Trophy, standing on his head to keep the Flames in it. After the skaters in front of him woke up his night got a lot easier, but he was still relied on for some crucial stops in the third period. My worry is the Eastern media won’t give Dustin Wolf the attention he deserves – especially with Matvei Michkov and Lane Hutson shining so bright. Dustin Wolf’s games usually don’t start until 9 or 10 p.m. Eastern and can last past midnight Eastern often. If the Flames actually find their way into the playoffs, I will aggressively start the Hart Trophy campaign too because nobody can argue he wasn’t the most important part of this team.