The Calgary Flames fell behind early and could not score enough to catch up, losing 4-2 to the Nashville Predators.

It’s a Team Game – Calgary continues to struggle in playing a complete 60-minute game. This one the first period was their crutch surrendering 3 goals including 2 on the same shift. Jake Bean and Yegor Sharangovich got completely mixed up on who to cover and it led to some very easy plays to make for the Nashville Predators. Throw in a power play marker and it was a deep hole for the Flames early. I know they don’t want people saying they can’t score goals, but if they want people to stop saying that they are going to have to find ways to score 3+ on a nightly basis. With a record of 2-9-2 this defence first approach, this incredibly limiting attack, needs to end. The way the Flames played in the third period showcased that some players understand that now – but it has got to come into the games right from puck drop if they want to find some wins.

Corsi King – Joel Hanley (81.54 per cent) is a player I have questions about his role. When we talk about needing offence most people would go right to the forwards, but the defenders and their ability to aid in an offensive attack matter too. Hanley does always have great defensive metrics, but he also saps momentum on offence frequently. I don’t think he’s played bad at all this season, but I do think he needs to have a limited role if the Flames want consistent offensive success. What good is a 24 – 6 advantage in shot attempts if it only leads to 2 high danger chances? Shuffling the forwards is not the only thing that can be done to spark the offence. Samuel Honzek (71.54 per cent) came very close to potting another goal. Here’s hoping the first one of his career sparked something in him that can help him score more often.

Taken By Chance – Rasmus Andersson (48.60 SCF% // 0.0 HDCF%) and Kevin Bahl (36.60 per cent // 0 per cent) failed to help generate any high danger looks at 5v5. Andersson specifically has really good numbers this season – it’s just unfortunate it happened against another team low in the standings. If you want to prove you don’t belong in the bottom portion of the NHL, you have to show up with positive performances against the other teams in the bottom. Mind you, that’s what they are all thinking too looking down at Calgary who sits 32nd in the standings. Also, when in the need of goals, playing Justin Kirkland (42.29 per cent // 0 per cent) over Connor Zary for two straight nights is less than ideal. You just paid the kid you need to play him even if it messes up your dream of an energy fourth line. Not playing your 12 best offensive forwards right now is really hurting you – time to make a change in how you operate if your goal is still success this season.

xGF% – I’m genuinely happy to have Jonathan Huberdeau (47.36 per cent) play on this hockey team. He’s been very good since he returned from his early season injury. If the team needs offence, he’s right in the middle of what they create and is still one of the primary players they put over the boards if the team needs a goal. He still plays and produces like a top 6 forward despite his point per game days seemingly coming to an end. There’s not a lot going right for Calgary right now, but I do think Huberdeau has been a bit of a bright spot. 5 points in 8 games has him second in points per game behind Nazem Kadri (28.10 per cent).

In The Crease – Dustin Wolf was chased after 20 minutes. Not a quality start but hard when the players in front of you allow so much to happen in front of you. Wolf can’t tie up sticks and make sure everyone has their man covered. Still – he’s not been making the number of saves he made last season willing Calgary closer to the playoffs. Without Wolf no the absolute top of his game this roster can’t score enough to win more than a handful of games a month. Devin Cooley was perfect in relief and kept the Flames in it long enough to pull the goalie for an extra attacker. He’s been very good and has secured the backup spot going forward. Hard to have to be perfect to win every game.

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