The Calgary Flames got plenty of chances and scoring opportunities but couldn’t get more than a single goal in a 3-1 loss to Detroit.

It’s a Team Game – I would like to report Cam Talbot for the crime of robbery. He stole this from the Flames who smothered the Detroit Red Wings all night long. Right off the hop it felt like the whole team got that boost of energy Craig Conroy was hoping for with the new talent inserted in the lineup. It was a couple of quality debuts for the new guys. Farabee got some great chances in front of the net and flashed his ability to break north in a hurry. Frost was very creative, exhibited a display of puck control at a Zary like level, and really got the Flames moving the puck on the power play. Their play deserved more goals and as a result a win for Wolf but instead they leave empty handed.

Corsi King – One thing the Flames could further address going towards the deadline is the left side of their blueline. Jake Bean (58.01 CF%) has settled nicely and is getting an elevated role with the injuries – playing next to MacKenzie Weegar (55.20 per cent) in this one. I’m looking forward to watching Martin Pospisil (57.74 per cent) in the coming weeks – someone has got to go to the fourth line after the trade and he seems like the glaring candidate. Some strong play could make it a reconsideration – but until he displays a more offensive ability the bottom six is where he belongs. The forechecking is great but if he’s only going to get 20-25 points in 82 games playing on your second line you aren’t getting the production you need out of the roster spot.

Taken By Chance – Nazem Kadri (52.56 SCF% || 66.25 HDCF%) decided to put the team on his back in the third period and carry them to victory. Of course they fell short, but Kadri displayed that when he’s in the right mindset he can be a dominating force. Joel Farabee (53.40 per cent || 66.25 per cent) looked alright next to him and Jonathan Huberdeau (55.89 per cent || 66.25 per cent). One play stood out to me the most – Farabee had the puck with possession in the attacking zone and he just drove the net. The defender stopped him by getting his hands up and shoving him aside, but it was the sheer willingness to just attack the dangerous are of the ice with the puck. Calgary has a lot of perimeter players on their team so that display from Farabee was a nice change of pace.

xGF% – Morgan Frost (44.51 per cent) didn’t start as strong as Farabee (69.10 per cent), but I felt he finished stronger. He was electric on the man advantages late making plays and shooting the puck with confidence. As chemistry develops with others, he projects to be a significant offensive contributor. The first showing didn’t really shy me away from those thoughts. Clark Bishop (8.89 per cent) played very seldom and was outmatched every time he was over the boards. Calgary needs to shore up that fourth line spot because Kevin Rooney (DNP) hasn’t been the answer either. They may just have to live with what they’ve got.

In The Crease – Even in a loss Wolf finds a way to put on a display. He made spectacular stops off Larkin and Soderblom late and was ready off of every single turnover and set on every single odd-man rush. Craig Conroy at intermission was asked by Kevin Bieksa if he felt Wolf could be the Flames next Kiprusoff. Conroy said he’s very close – Wolf’s numbers do a lot of the speaking for him. All Wolf seems to be focused on is the next period he’s got to play and all the pucks he’s got to stop. 1.88 expected goals against at 5v5 with two goals getting behind him.