The Calgary Flames almost snuck away with some points, but ultimately got the result that was deserved with a crushing 4-3 regulation defeat against the visiting Nashville Predators.

It’s a Team Game – It was not a complete effort from the Calgary Flames in this one, despite the fact they almost made it to overtime. Nicolas Hague ended that bid with under 30 seconds to go in regulation – a result the Flames deserved based on how they played the final 40 minutes. In the first they started strong, but after Erik Haula scored two quick goals the Flames never really recovered to get consistent chances in the attacking zone. They were getting physical and causing a lot of ruckus – something I personally love to see as a fan – but it did nothing to help them gain momentum or more high danger chances. Nashville very well might be their Kryptonite this year, as nothing they’ve done against them has worked. It ended up being a pretty large dent in their recent climb into the playoff picture, but knowing this team a little adversity is nothing to them. I expected a bit of regression after crawling back to a .500 points percentage, but just how much regression remains to be seen.

Corsi King – Connor Zary (56.71 CF%) – who is clearly in the doghouse for… some reason – lead the way for the Flames here. I’m really not sure what the coach is thinking because it’s not like any line is clicking other than the one Blake Coleman (39.69 per cent) and Mikael Backlund (47.74 per cent) are on. The other two veteran leaders have been absent on the scoresheet, regularly, for a few weeks now. If the coach can’t use Zary somewhere else in the lineup (away from Backlund and Coleman) then what’s going to be the solution here? Because he is not going back to the AHL. At least Rasmus Andersson (42.68 per cent) is going to end his Flames tenure on a scoring tear. He’s on pace for over 50 points this season averaging over 21 minutes a night. All he needs is one opportunity to walk in off the point and rip it home to make an impact.

Taken By Chance – Yan Kuznetsov (36.45 SCF% // 47.27 HDCF%) was out there for the most high danger chances while also scoring another goal from the point. Face-off play that was well executed. The Flames needed that tonight, especially because there was no consistent flow to their 5v5 attack. The two forwards out there for 3 high danger looks were Yegor Sharangovich (47.81 per cent // 58.30 per cent) and Nazem Kadri (27.66 per cent // 40.11 per cent). Kadri’s cold streak (1 assist in his last 6 games) has been a non-factor because of Coleman (43.84 per cent // 36.57 per cent) (3 goals, 3 assists over last 6 games) shouldering the load, but the Flames can’t have him be that cold for that long. Coleman’s career high in points is 54 so I’m expecting that well to go dry soon as well. The only real hope for that winning to continue is if Kadri starts to re-find the scoresheet.

xGF% – Another night with next to nothing to show for it from Jonathan Huberdeau (27.94 per cent). I’ve got a grand idea for the coach, maybe put him on the fourth line instead of Connor Zary (52.30 per cent). He’s not driving play in any conceivable way, he’s not a force on the boards, and he’s not making the passes you would ever expect of Jonathan Huberdeau. I’ve defended him as a serviceable player since he has got to Calgary, but what we’re getting out of him these days is third line territory (at best). He has had just two multi-point efforts all season long and he hasn’t worked with any of his linemates since the chemistry with Frost (20.78 per cent) and Coronato (46.73 per cent) dissipated into the void. Something’s got to give there, and he needs to be held to the same standard as everyone else on this team – one he is currently not being held to. If you need to healthy scratch him again to send a message, do it, it’s time.

In The Crease – Not a banner night for Mr. Wolf. A couple goals he probably wants back and a game winner with under 30 seconds to go. Not his fault completely, the team play in front of him was quite subpar, but he also could have been a little more sharp. Oh well, need to turn the page and move on to the next game. 3 or more goals against will kill this team, unfortunately, so he needs to be sharp every night. An unfair ask of anyone, but it’s the reality of the situation. Cooley should play soon, usually a night off resets Wolf for quite a while. 2.23 expected goals against with 4 goals at 5v5 beating him.

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