It’s a Team Game – From the start the San Jose Sharks were aggressive and creative on offence. It is a blend of chaotic creativity and a lack of defensive structure that makes it a very fun experience for the viewer. Based on how Calgary normally plays this is a nightmare matchup that easily exposed any minor error. For them to have had a real shot at victory they would have needed better goaltending, but even that could have only done so much for them. The Sharks had 15-9 advantage in 5v5 high danger chances, really making sure to capitalize on the lack of speed from a certain Flames defence pair. Despite the 6-3 loss this was still one of the most entertaining games the Flames have played this year.

Corsi King – Mikael Backlund (69.09 CF%) did not remain injured and returned to some success. Celebrini did walk around him before making the amazing pass on the first goal of the game. An example of taking what you were given, except that was more Celebrini being an elite player more than anything else. I haven’t seen a Flame make a play like that in the offensive zone all season long – it’s what picking that high in the draft gets you. A proper reward for your struggles. Celebrini himself was a massive difference maker in how he was able to beat defenders and create chaos for Wolf and the defence. Speed, smarts, and skill.

Under Pressure –

Taken By Chance – Kevin Bahl (16.54 SCF% // 23.30 HDCF%) had one of the worst games I’ve seen him play. He got turned around, passed both around and through, and failed to protect the dangerous areas of the ice surrendering 10 high danger chances in 17 minutes of 5v5 ice. He’s normally fantastic, so he easily gets a pass as having an off night, but it was a really off night. Only the fourth forward line and the second (if they can be called that) defence pair finished with a positive ratio in high danger looks. If your fourth line leads you in that regard you usually do not have a good time.

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – Blake Coleman (52.27 xGF%) deserves a shoutout as the hardest working player in white. That goal he scored, off the rush clapper just above the goalers shoulder and under the bar, was absolutely gorgeous. If Celebrini didn’t score that spin-o-rama off the rush goal the one Coleman scored would have been the goal of the game. I could watch replays of it all day long, although I’m not sure with 100 tries in the same scenario he’s ever able to hit that spot again. It kind of makes it even better. Coleman worked his tail off from puck drop and gave the Flames dads some reasons to celebrate even in a 6-3 slog.

Game Flow –

Game Score –

Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – Dustin Wolf simply wasn’t good enough. That’s perfectly okay. He’s young, the defence in front of him gave up more than normal, and many of the goals were because a superstar player created them from nothing. He’s earned these extra starts, but some nights he just looks off. Tonight, he wasn’t moving as well laterally or having his in tight crease work be as athletic as we’ve seen It in the past. Calgary only goes as far as Wolf drags them – with a lacking offence that may not be as far as management is hoping for.

The Goals –