The Calgary Flames once again tried to do nothing but defend with a one goal lead, which predictably collapsed into an eventual 4-3 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks.

It’s a Team Game – The first two periods were some great hockey. Back and forth action – both teams scoring big time goals – and the teams executing a great gameplan. Calgary through two periods had an eight to two advantage in high danger chances as well. Calgary was in complete control. That’s when things go south for the Flames. The third period starts and everything that was great about the first two periods vanishes into thin air. Instead, the Flames just play nothing but defence in front of their goaltender. Stationary feet, non-active sticks, and way too much work for Dustin Wolf. Third period high danger chances were eight to one in Vancouver’s favour. That was eight high danger chances at 5v5 against them in one period. Their third period quality share was a measly 5.17%. The best way I can describe it is they’ve been directed to sit back in their zone and block everything – and it’s not working the way the coach intends it too. Way too much reliance on Wolf.

Corsi King – Ryan Lomberg (92.01 CF%) had his motor going in a big way whenever he could hit the ice. His offensive skill set is very limited, but he is not shy to use his speed and body to be physical. Blake Coleman (65.54 per cent) and Joel Farabee (65.42 per cent) fared well without Mikael Backlund (79.01 per cent, 2:58 TOI) who left early with an injury. Farabee has always been doing his job well since getting here – being the north/south guy he can be – the teammates had to catch up and start learning where he liked to be and how he liked to break out. The team itself doesn’t operate in a very offensively friendly system so the points aren’t going to ever come fast or furious.

Taken By Chance – I want to actually give mad props to Rasmus Andersson (56.51 SCF% || 67.89 HDCF%) and Kevin Bahl (41.59 per cent || 46.96 per cent). Bahl was tremendous in breaking up some major scoring opportunities for the Canucks – a rock all night. After months of questionable percentages in important areas I’m really starting to lean into coaching effects being a major factor in the numbers they produce. Not a lot of freedom for transition in the third period unless the Flames are trailing. I would like Connor Zary (0 per cent || N/A) to get out of the dog house, and the injury to Backlund might spark that, but he did go without helping achieve a single 5v5 scoring chance in this one. He’s still not been the same player he was before the injury.

xGF% – Yegor Sharangovich (2.50 per cent) continues to be a go-to option over many other viable choices for reasons I cannot figure out. The only reason I can think of is they are desperately trying to spark him – maybe not the best idea in a game with that much riding on a playoff spot. Morgan Frost (5.21 per cent) has also been a bit lost. I genuinely think with the offensive talent on the roster the coach needs to change the gameplan to get more offensive zone time. This many skilled players struggling night in, and night out offensively is concerning and it’s making me look around the room to figure out why. One man who was not struggling was Jonathan Huberdeau (41.45 per cent || 43.11 per cent). He found the scoresheet twice and is now just six goals away from tying a career high – something positive to keep track of.

In The Crease – Wolf tried his best, but he couldn’t steal another one. Really, he’s defied the odds all season, having the outcome go this way would be the norm with many other goaltenders on most nights. He is lucky he has a bunch oof defenceman willing to block shots – those shots are also being blocked because of the defenders collapsing and leaving the shooter unpressured – but hey enough about the teams strategy. At least Wolf remains a bright symbol with the ability to drag the Flames into the playoffs. 2.94 expected goals against at 5v5 with two goals getting behind him.