The Calgary Flames showed up to play in Anaheim earning a 3-2 overtime win over the Ducks.

It’s a Team Game – This game seemed to be played at a pace a bit faster than some of the other post-holiday matches. Calgary shot out of the start like a cannon, pressuring John Gibson right away. The Ducks did not have an answer until the wave backed off and allowed Anaheim to grab momentum heading towards the end of the first period. MacKenzie Weegar than had a puck deflect off him and in – this seemed to really give Calgary life. Connor Zary was then a victim of an unfortunate knee from Ducks defenceman Drew Helleson which removed him from the game – he needed assistance to get off the ice and back to the locker room. Calgary continued to keep up the pressure, never let the Ducks scoring rattle them and were rewarded with a generous bounce off the boards in overtime. Huberdeau had a literal tap in and the Flames waved goodbye to the Anaheim crowd, winners.

Corsi King – Martin Pospisil (78.80 percent) and his entire line had a great night. They saw less than six shot attempts against and helped generate over twenty as a line. A genuine high percentage from a highly productive output. Joel Hanley (78.76 per cent) certainly heard the comments about the defence needing to contribute more (ha-ha, yeah right) as he ended up with two points on the night. I’m not sure what Huska’s plan is with Tyson Barrie, and at this point even Daniil Miromanov because Jake Bean (46.12 per cent) has settled in on the third pair next to Pachal (34.08 per cent). Too many cooks in the kitchen, not enough opportunity to get everyone ample playing time. Depending how the stretch to the trade deadline goes we may be able to get some call-ups if Calgary slides in the standings. Unless that happens though, we might only ever see a new face due to injury.

Taken By Chance – Nazem Kadri (83.03 SCF% || 100 HDCF%) was a force to be reckoned with. The team all has their mothers with them on this road trip and Kadri made sure game one would be something for the ladies to celebrate. He contributed over 6 high danger chances, surrendered none, scored a goal at 5v5, and directed overtime traffic on the power play. This was the Nazem Kadri we saw all of last year – he went missing for about a month in November, but Huberdeau (72.23 per cent || 83.01 per cent) unlocked something in him in that Pittsburgh game. Tonight is a result of the fruition of that chemistry.

xGF% – The Backlund (64.48 per cent) trio were the ones out there for the Weegar (89.66 per cent) goal so credit their line with a 5v5 contribution. I’ve been extremely focused on the current line combinations and what their perceived ideal offensive output should be. Backlund’s offence is spearheaded by the contributions of young Mr. Matt Coronato (54.54 per cent). He is starting to find confidence on the forecheck, and he never gives up on a puck battle. The overtime goal does not happen without Coronato being a pest on the forecheck – it was a major contribution. The coach noticed too because he was the option to roll out of the gates when they needed a goal. Huberdeau (86.91 per cent), Kadri (92.30 per cent), Andersson (56.83 per cent) and Matt Coronato. That’s some good company he’s with already – a long way removed from that last undeserved demotion.

In The Crease – I am super nice to Dustin Wolf all the time, so I do not feel bad for saying I did not like that Killorn goal against. He lost his man in traffic off the rush and got beaten clean over the shoulder – those are the goals that make some worry about his size. Now if they were ever happening consistently, I would also worry, but this was the first of its kind in a very long time, so I let it go. Just felt that sometimes endless praise isn’t the way to go, I should critique his goals the same level I critique Vladar’s. Outside of that Wolf was amazing, incredibly athletic, and has the poise and presence of a starting goaltender in the National Hockey League.

Player Spotlight – Connor Zary – I feel so bad for the young man who continued to be the most skilled Flame on the ice every single night. At the time of writing I do not know anything more about his status post injury, but I do want to agree with an opinion shared on the broadcast. Eric Francis of Sportsnet brought up Rory Kerins. This highly unfortunate situation that nobody wanted or asked for can lead to an opportunity for a player who has done nothing but deserve a call up by grinding through the minor leagues. Calgary has more veteran centres they could choose, but with their need for offence so dire calling up the younger guy with over 20 goals this season to play third line pivot makes sense. I hope to see Zary back in the lineup as soon as possible – he’s a major part for the future of this franchise – but injury does lead to opportunity, and it is about the right time for Kerins to get one.