Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning walked over top of the Calgary Flames, defeating them 8-3.

It’s a Team Game – It did not completely fall apart until the third period, but overall, that wasn’t a game anyone is going to remember fondly. I believe it will be memorable though because Nikita Kucherov had a six-point night – the first time someone has done that in Calgary since 1991. The Flames even showcased their usual comeback attempt, getting the score to four-three by the end of the second period. After that the game went south for Calgary, and it went there in a hurry. Tampa took their two-goal lead back early in the third and then piled on late. Not a banner night for the Flames against a team with elite talent and seemingly perennial championship aspirations.

Corsi King – Quite the contrast from having the entire roster being over the 50% threshold to having just 5 out of 18 getting there. On top was Brayden Pachal (62.68 CF%) who saw the least number of attempts against at 10.  The crease – and Dan Vladar – never stood a chance as the Lightning took over in every aspect of the game. MacKenzie Weegar (28.46 per cent) and Daniil Miromanov (27.99 per cent) saw over 24 shot attempts against them while being on for 11 or less for the team. It may not have been great across the board, but it’s hardly the worst team numbers I’ve ever seen. Worst actual goal total against in four years (or close), but not the worst numbers overall.

Taken By Chance – The Huberdeau (31.97 SCF% || 39.60 HDCF%) and Kadri (31.97 per cent || 39.60 per cent) connection continues to give and take each night. It’s been the most successful offensive outburst from them since the season began – but it comes with the risks in your own defensive end. I think the Flames need this if they want to have a chance. It can’t be four rolling stagnant lines all attacking with the same three or four shooting attempts, that becomes easy to defend against. Huberdeau and Kadri are playing with pace and getting quick chaotic chances around the net – it’s appeared to be a different style of attack than what we saw from them separately. Not every line can subscribe to the lack of defence, but for now these two should be allowed to try and thrive.

xGF% – The overall quality share is the worst spot of the night for Calgary. Brayden Pachal (64.47%) really never got subjected to a lot of the bad that happened. He was 1-0 in terms of 5v5 goal differential and was as physical as ever. Do not want to praise Bean (59.67 per cent) too much because of the penalty, but if I’m going to do that than Huberdeau’s (35.05 per cent) blatant giveaway at the Flames blueline would mean it’s only fair to not talk about him either. Concerning that I’ve stopped having reasons to talk about Mr. Reliable in Mikael Backlund (35.71 per cent) lately. He and Coronato (38.39 per cent) have gone a little cold.

In The Crease – I’m both surprised and not surprised that Dan Vladar stayed in the crease all night. It didn’t seem fair to him in the end, but after two periods it was four to three. When things fell off late and the score got to six against to seven and eight – so with less than ten minutes to go it’s not really fair to throw Wolf in then. Unfortunately, it leaves a nasty spot on a brilliant season so far from Vladar.  2.56 expected goals against at 5v5 with five goals getting behind him.