The Anaheim Ducks came into Calgary and the Flames had all the answers, cruising to a 4-1 victory.

It’s a Team Game – Calgary got on Anaheim quick. Nazem Kadri scored on the first shift of the game and the Flames used that to get momentum early. Anaheim did find an answer in the first frame, but Calgary really was able to control possession and the majority of chances. There’s a clear team directive to start attacking the middle of the attacking zone when entering and trying to do so with possession of the puck. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s certainly creating more offensive chances for the team. Special teams came in clutch as well with both a power play and shorthanded goal getting scored. A solid team effort – they all need to be down the stretch – that keeps the playoff hopes alive.

Corsi King – I’ve been highlighting Mikael Backlund (71.73 CF%) and his improved play the last two weeks, but that also came with a resurgence of Blake Coleman (73.78 per cent). The Texas Tiger was the best forward on the ice tonight scoring two goals – one shorthanded – leading the charge for Calgary. 29-10 in terms of shoot attempt disparity – domination of puck possession is one of the only ways it gets to that point. Joel Farabee (72.00 per cent) has fit like a glove and is helping the line spend more than 50 per cent of their time in the offensive zone. They didn’t get a goal together at 5v5 – but Coleman broke the cold streak, if this play continues a hot streak could be on the horizon.

Taken By Chance – He may have got a goal when he was first put there, but Yegor Sharangovich (49.41 SCF% || 32.92 HDCF%) has quickly gone back to not contributing to the lines success. The board play just isn’t the same as Connor Zary’s. He needs someone that can find him in the middle of the ice and Nazem Kadri (46.87 per cent || 19.57 per cent) lines tend to be more about board work and possession than carving up the middle of the ice. With the run Kadri’s been on he can make anything happen no matter who he is with, but it would be nice to find someone who meshes with him a little better. If elimination does happen in the coming weeks – the odds are I fact higher for them to miss the playoffs – Aydar Suniev could do well with a quality centre like Kadri.

xGF% – Adam Klapka (58.89 per cent) continues to be constantly noticeable every shift for positive reasons. He’s been throwing his weight around more effectively and is starting to use his long reach to force turnovers. He’s quick enough to transition the puck as well – a tool kit that men his size usually do not possess. Add in that he has above average puck handling skills and I can see why the Flames love him. His energy and effort have been on high display for a full week now.

In The Crease – That’s twenty-five wins in his rookie year for Dustin Wolf. There is a lot of work from him that went in to those wins, more than anyone else on the team. He’s not riding the hot success of team playing like the Jets or Stars, and yet his numbers reflect the same as their superstar goaltenders. It’s been a welcome party year for Wolf, who has only ever shown us that the next step forward Is even more development no matter where he played before the NHL. Why think that’s going to stop now that he’s here. His starts are appointment viewing. 1.97 expected goals against with one getting behind him.