The Calgary Flames put a rough game behind them and came out like wildfire in a tight win over the New York Rangers 2-1.

It’s a Team Game – These were not the Calgary Flames that played in Toronto the night before – they were extra motivated and spent the majority of the game in control. It didn’t start that way – Panarin took advantage when MacKenzie Weegar blew a tire and ripped one by Dan Vladar in the first minute. That very well could have defined the game, but the Flames found that work ethic that made them so formidable through November and December to come out on top. The team set a 2025 high with 16 high danger chances at 5v5 in this one. To be blunt the Rangers were terrible, but you only play who is in front of you on the schedule. New York having an off day (it may be their normal) does not diminish the work that was visibly represented by the Flames from puck drop. A hard-earned victory for sure.

Corsi King – You know, I don’t give the fourth line a lot of credit outside of their energy, but Ryan Lomberg (80.44 CF%) has been in the top for a lack of shot attempts against for two weeks now. Just a strong stretch of play making sure his minutes are useful when he gets them. Despite his one mistake – happens to the best of us – MacKenzie Weegar (67.77 per cent) was dominating. His two assists tonight were some fantastic short passing, playing off the pressure being applied to him and sending it to someone safe. Yet, that still wasn’t the offensive play of his pairing. Joel Hanley (67.01 per cent) sends an intentional shot into the back boards and in the ricochet off the back wall Nazem Kadri (63.63 per cent) found the back of the net. I didn’t expect that from Joel Hanley, but if you’re going to play top 4 minutes in the NHL that’s something I love to see incorporated into your game.

Taken By Chance – The Flames forward line shuffle may have struck gold. Jonathan Huberdeau (89.81 SCF% || 88.97 HDCF%), Matt Coronato (90.34 per cent || 88.97 per cent), and Morgan Frost (90.34 per cent || 88.97 per cent) absolutely dominated. High danger chances 8 to 1, overall scoring chances 18 to 2, never a doubt who was in charge during their 14-15 minutes of 5v5 ice time. Now the problem is still the same problem that has plagued them all year – the ability to finish chances off – but I’d rather the roster consistently out-chance the opposition than get caved like they have been the last few weeks. Massive step in the right direction with tons to build off of.

xGF% – I highlighted Yegor Sharangovich (7.79 per cent) after Monday’s game and he comes out here and just continues to struggle despite everyone else finding success. He was the only player on the Flames to fail to register a 5v5 scoring chance. Not even high danger, all situations scoring chances he ended up with nothing. The next top 9 centre option is Connor Zary (76.83 per cent) but reuniting him with Kadri (77.82 per cent) and Martin Pospisil (80.64 per cent) worked, and produced, so breaking them up doesn’t seem like the right play. I genuinely think they are just going to keep trying to figure out what to do with Sharangovich because they are out of options right now – and that’s not something I envision will help him get out of his funk.

In The Crease – A lot of tough assignments this year for Dan Vladar, but his time as a Flame in 2025 has been his best work in the NHL. I’m not sure if they bring him back next year – but he’s earned himself a new NHL contract from someone. The Rangers attack wasn’t anywhere close to acceptable from their side of things, but there were moments from Vladar where he needed to remain on top of things. Solid movement, decent coverage, a bit of a weak glove hand, and another victory in his pocket. 1.23 expected goals against with one goal at 5v5.