The Flames played another low-event match, this time against the New Jersey Devils, that went to overtime before the visitors were able to take the win, 2-1.

It’s a Team Game – Another day, another game where the Flames struggled to score. At this point I’m a broken record on my third straight year of repeating the same phrase. Rasmus Andersson leaving the lineup doesn’t exactly amplify the offensive side of things, but at least the Flames can do what they’re good at and limit the other team to nothing as well. Zach Whitecloud fit right in next to Kevin Bahl quite well. I thought they were the best defence pair of the three, but I also think the other pairs didn’t play very well. Offensive chances were limited, despite Jacob Markstrom running around giving the Flames extra chances for no reason, and Calgary couldn’t get a bounce their way to go. The Devils looked faster and more dangerous, but this game was largely a neutral zone slog.

Corsi King – Morgan Frost (64.91 CF%) and Jonathan Huberdeau (62.94%) both had a +4 advantage in shot attempts for/against. Zach Whitecloud (55.04%) led on defence going 16/13. They have decent numbers together overall, one of them should decide to be a shooter when together. I saw Frost pass up a great shooting opportunity again tonight for that extra pass – if the pucks already coming to you in motion let it fly. Of course I’m talking off the rush, please don’t default into just taking point and perimeter shots. He’s not the only one – the whole team needs a lot more drives/cuts to the middle of the ice and a better willingness to drive the puck right to the crease. Make a play, find some space, rip a goal.

Taken By Chance – Ryan Lomberg (59.22 SCF% // 100 HDCF%)… trade bait? I say that as a complete compliment because I think many playoff bound teams would want what he brings. The ability to find good vibes in the darkest of times while also not doing anything major to ever hurt your team. His recent burst of offence is a reminder to teams he can contribute as well. If anybody calls offering for the pending UFA it’s worth the time to listen. Kadri (9.16 per cent // 14.93 per cent) broke his scoring slump and Matvei Gridin (9.16 per cent // 17.99 per cent) got an assist for springing him on the rush. It was Kevin Bahl (31.22 per cent // 30.50 per cent) with the smooth awareness to jump on the rush and give the pass right back for Kadri to deposit in the goal. Nice play, need to see more like that out of Kadri regularly.

xGF% – Kevin Bahl (35.83 per cent) stood out in a positive way – and then some – in the first game of the post-Andersson Calgary Flames. He was making smart plays with the puck, using his legs to create new passing lanes and find space, and jumped into the rush when necessary, allowing Zach Whitecloud (33.66 per cent) to just be the defensive rock he’s known to be. I was concerned about who would move the puck on that pair – and there were times where you could see the wires crossed about who was making the breakout pass – but the overall sample I thought was very good from the Flames top LHD. One final note, I want Hunter Brzustewicz (27.64 per cent) to keep his feet moving on the power play. A lot of stationary play on the point when up a man and it causes issues with open passing lanes. Aggressive PKs will pick you off or force you into a turnover if you’re not already moving your feet.

In The Crease – Devin Cooley was a rock yet again. He made some top-notch saves, got the game through 60 minutes, and bit on a good fake by the Devils in overtime. Oh well, from the goalie side of things there was zero concerns. Start Cooley whenever you feel like it because he’s earned plenty more starts than I ever expected before the start of the year. What an ascension. 2.02 expected goals against at 5v5 with just 1 getting by him.