The Calgary Flames gave a solid performance, but once again could not get that extra goal to seal them a victory, losing 3-2 in a shootout to the Anaheim Ducks.

CF% – 54.48%|| SCF% – 55.33%|| HDCF% – 58.97%|| xGF% – 55.07%

It’s a Team Game – The Flames played yet another strong, team game coming out of the Olympic break. They got into a bit of a track meet early against a young, speedy Ducks squad and were able to not just keep pace – do a little better than they did. If it weren’t for two quality goaltending performances there are a lot more goals scored in this game. However, their main struggle persisted in that of struggling to find that elusive “next goal”. Too many games where they just did not have enough guys able to pull the trigger. Goaltending continues to be their strength – keeping them in many fights – but it has just not been enough offence to remain competitive.

Corsi King – Braydden Pachal (67.16 CF%) deserves to play every night. He’s a more than capable bottom pair defender that can keep the crease clear when things get tight. Calgary’s blueline should shake up some more in the coming days – if they truly are accepting their roles as sellers they could capitalize on Pachal having interest – or even Joel Hanley (62.68 per cent). They’ve got more than just Parekh to get back into the lineup, Hunter Brzustewicz deserves to come back up as well. The defence is heading in an exciting young direction very quickly – it’ll be good to watch and see who develops where.

Under Pressure –

Taken By Chance – Nazem Kadri (68.14 SCF% // 62.09 HDCF%) has been playing lights out since getting his vacation. The number one most notable player on offence, consistently, over the last three games. Not everything in the last two have turned into goals, but he’s at least creating things in his minutes frequently. Connor Zary (62.84 per cent // 51.44 per cent) has also been everywhere with him. Nothing at a level that would suggest a regular increase in production, but enough to show that there are some bright spots going on for the Flames despite being 1-1-1 on this trip.

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – Ryan Lomberg (64.58 per cent) with a great pass to set up the Flames first goal. He’s expressing his love for Calgary and wanting to stay lately. Unless an offer becomes something too overwhelmingly useful to say not to I have no quarrels with keeping him for another few years. He gets the crowd going, he gets the locker room going, and he’s not a detriment to the team’s defence when he’s out there. Does the simple things right to be able to go out and play his fourth line energy role to perfection. Not a lot of guys fill the shoes he wears, I’m fine if they let him keep on wearing them. At this point of the season nothing they do is going to change the direction too much. The goaltenders won’t let them lose too many but the lack of goals will prevent the wins from

Game Flow –

Game Score –

Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – It is a darned shame the Flames finally get two goaltenders both performing at a high level and they can never score enough to even keep themselves remotely in charge. In this one Devin Cooley stood on his head allowing just one 5v5 goal against on 3.27 expected goals. One extra goal and it’s a regulation loss again, but Cooley just continues to show he’s got what it takes to drag things farther than they should be allowed to go. An excellent tandem, no matter who gets the call. They know they need to steal every game too and it still doesn’t phase them – incredible mental fortitude in the Flames crease.

The Goals –