It’s a Team Game – Not that much to say except you forget about that one as soon as you can. 5-0 before the end of the first period, over 50 shots against, and not for one moment, all evening long, did it ever look like Calgary had some control of the game. Dominance in hockey by the Colorado Avalanche. I love teams that smother the puck carrier, stay on them until they make a panic move where you and your team can then pounce – that’s what we saw all game long from the Avalanche. Forecheck, neutral zone, defending – didn’t matter – there was a Colorado player there to apply pressure. The speed at which they do that too is mesmerizing. Some of these losses come with the rebuild territory. In my opinion we should appreciate that the Flames are actually now leaning in to become more like the Avalanche – a good team to aspire to be as good as.

Corsi King – Olli Maatta (50.05 CF%) was the only guy at even, which is not surprising when you consider how many more shot attempts the Avalanche threw at the Flames net. So good, the Avs were, at tracking rebounds and getting second or third opportunities. Never quitting on a play until they score or the whistle blows. It’s wild that both Kevin Bahl (27.76 per cent) and Zach Whitecloud (28.49 per cent) were on the ice for over 35 shot attempts against. For the Calgary Flames that has long been the sum of what you would see over a two game span, but nope the Avalanche got that all in on this one game.

Under Pressure –

Taken By Chance – I have not had a need to mention Mikael Backlund (51.36 SCF% .. 74.07 HDCF%) of late because he does his job very well. Over five high danger chances for the group alone. Finishing positive in this category when the other slide had nine total is something positive. That’s about it, most of it was a lot of standing still and relentlessness from the Avalanche. Not much positive around here for anyone, good thing they’ve got two more cracks at the Avalanche between now and the end of the season.

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – Doing a minor update on the youth – Matvei Gridin (30.82 per cent) was strong on the puck but ultimately never created any offence. Brennan Othmann (35.71 per cent) found the back of the net and has looked good in transition. Zayne Parekh (18.50 per cent) really struggled and was overwhelmed by the speed of the Avalanche. Him and all 5 other defenceman were in the same boat for that one. Okay stuff, nothing great.

Game Flow –

Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – Flush it, for both parties. Just move on to tomorrow, a new day, and leave this waste dump of a game in the past. You’ll learn nothing, you’ll improve nothing, just recognize it was not your day and be ready to move on. Wolf and Cooley have been largely great all year, a bad night for both was more than okay. Not like this happens often to the Flames.

The Goals –