The Calgary Flames once again had a controlling third period but couldn’t get enough goals past the Utah Hockey Club, losing 3-1.

It’s a Team Game – The Flames do know they can start playing like they do in the third period in the other two, right? Saying this on the second half of a tough back-to-back is a bit harsh, yes, but they have followed this exact same game script for two full weeks at this point. If they want more success, they need to start dominating possession and chances earlier in the game. They’re hot and cold offence (which has been mostly subzero this season) doesn’t seem to be able to turn it on until the third period kicks in. For a fan this brings about a lot of exciting hockey games the Flames remain one shot away from tying – for an analyst it’s quite annoying to see repetition of the same struggles with not a lot of signs of improvement. I respect the “win games 3-2” mentality, but wholeheartedly believe we are in a 4-3 league these days. The offence has got to find ways to finish off chances – no team “gets goalied” as often as the Flames do without some other issues being primary factors. They also need to start early and play the oft muttered cliché “full 60 minutes.”

Corsi King – Rasmus Andersson (70.06%) getting a goal on one of the lowest percentage plays of the entire season is objectively hilarious to me. From the point, next to no traffic, and wasn’t deflected – yet THAT is the goal the Flames can finally score. Andersson himself was out for over 4 high danger chances at 5v5, yet not one of the prime looks beat Utah.  It’s not like the guys don’t display enough consistent skill that they can score – its just… they never do. The role players hardly contribute, the kids are producing points at 0.5 per game or under, and the entire offensive load is being shouldered by two veteran players. When those vets don’t contribute the Flames find themselves in a rough spot. Having some high(er) end skill that can weave around opposing defences is necessary – but that’s going to be hard for the Flames to locate if they keep handing over top-15 draft picks for nothing.

Taken By Chance – Personally I thought vintage Mikael Backlund (69.64 SCF% || 80.11 HDCF%) was back in full swing. I said after Colorado the night prior he was looking sharp and he backed that up by spending the majority of his shifts attacking rather than defending against Utah as well. I don’t like to speculate on injuries – but whatever was going on with him during January/February is not occurring as the month turns to April. Back on the wing in the top 6 has Yegor Sharangovich (59.71 per cent || 75.22 per cent) looking better. It will go down as an atrocious year offensively for him. Looking at his career stats the point production column will look like a rollercoaster track. Positive news for the man signed to a long-term extension, that would mean next year the rollercoaster is going back upwards. Let’s all hope.

xGF% – Matt Coronato (45.40 per cent) does give me hope the offence can be stable in the future. He’s already working at adjusting his angles on his shots as he approaches the net – he’s only going to get better in that area and will find the right places to beat NHL goaltenders. Feels like that is a matter of when, not if. Next year the team is going to need to look different – Coronato finding an extra offensive gear would be a huge addition. In due time though, in due time.

In The Crease – Dustin Wolf was back in the blue and playing the way he has been all year. Just a couple of goals against while maintaining a positive goals saved above expected rating. He should not ever need to be better than he was today to get a victory. This was a quality game lost because the other goaltender played out of his mind. No issues in the net – Wolf will be in tough for the Calder with a surge in offence from Lane Hutson and Matvei Michkov, but I wouldn’t count him out. 2.65 expected goals against at 5v5 with two goals against.