The Minnesota Wild and their hot streak went cold as the Calgary Flames impressed on the way to a 4-1 victory.

It’s a Team Game – Calgary got nothing but better as the game went on. I felt the first period was largely owned by the Wild. Hey, six minutes on the power play should do that for any team. Dustin Wolf had to be sharp early, something he struggled with in his last outing. The thing is, he was also sharp late. Without Wolf I genuinely do not know where this game goes. The Flames continue to be able to play any team competitively and showcase that when the goaltending on the other side isn’t at its best they can capitalize a fair amount. Huberdeau breaking his slump, Coronato with another, and Zary with a zinger is something we hope to see more often. If that were a regular occurrence they wouldn’t be where they are currently at in the standings, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Corsi King – Matt Coronato (78.74 per cent) led the way for the team. That line with him, Frost (74.36 per cent), and Huberdeau (63.73 per cent) played a really solid game. Frost has started to really come into his own, if the wingers can find a way to expand on that – or he could figure that out – Frost could find himself with a career year. Keeping his current two linemates as they are would even amplify his total production – thankfully for him the Flames do not have any centres coming for his job, or anybody’s, this year.

Taken By Chance – Rasmus Andersson (48.72 SCF% // 56.38 HDCF%) was flying out there. His play around the back of the net prior to Huberdeau’s (59.73 per cent // 77.83 per cent) first goal was awesome. He is still high on everyone’s trade bait lists, but that doesn’t change the fact he’s been crucial for them and their successes this year. He should be getting a haul of assets for how he’s played. Worth noting that despite their being lots of chances for the Flames, the fourth line did fail to generate any high danger chances.

xGF% – Connor Zary (43.59 per cent) is tasked with some heavy shutdown minutes playing next to the captain. Being able to generate the chances he earned – against that level of competition – is no small feat. Zary continues to use that slump busting goal to drive himself forward and stay relevant as a consistent producer. Joel Hanley (83.25 per cent) led the way for the defence group. He played a nice simple game and didn’t try and stretch himself too thin.

In The Crease – Ladies and gentleman the Calgary Flames starting goaltender with a scorpion-like save tonight. It certainly wasn’t too similar to the one the iconic Miikka Kiprusoff made, but it was still nice to look at. Wolf was on his toes early and then locked in like we all know he’s capable of. He shut the door no a talented Wild squad more than he maybe should have. 

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