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Beyond the Boxscore: Flames’ loose coverage their undoing in brutal back-to-back against the Avalanche

Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

By Flash Stevens

Nov 1, 2026, 09:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 1, 2026, 03:24 EDT

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The Calgary Flames gave it a good try, but ultimately could not thwart the Colorado Avalanche, falling by a score of 5-2.

CF% – 45.67% || SCF% – 43.03% || HDCF% – 61.11% || xGF% – 49.73%

It’s a Team Game – I don’t think Calgary was too out of their element, but there were times when the Avalanche’s speed was too overwhelming to overcome. They had trouble keeping the crease clear for their call-up netminder and it resulted in the Avs piling on some goals. Everything in their own end wasn’t quite as polished from the breakouts to the coverage and it bit them. In return the Flames put on their own fairly decent attack – the same one they’ve been trying since the season started – but couldn’t get the goals to fall their way. After two weeks of good puck luck running into a goaltender playing his pads off was bound to happen. The save on Matt Coronato to end the first period – and it would have made it 1-1 at the time – will be on highlight reels for months. It is encouraging to watch them prioritize high danger shots above all else. They shift between forechecking and trapping as well, depending on the situation. They’ve evolved into a really adaptable group, not just based on game situation, but overall they can adapt per shift depending on what’s required.

Corsi King – Matvei Gridin (53.12 CF%) led the team, but with a slight 12-10 advantage. Overall shot attempts came with Simon Nemec (48.66%) going 20-21 in his minutes. Can’t say it’s not entertaining to watch him play hockey, something is going to happen at either end when he’s out there. Nobody got truly out-chanced by a huge margin showing all of Calgary’s lines were able to generate something in their minutes. For playing the night before in Calgary and then playing in Denver they played above and beyond what I had expected to see coming in.

Under Pressure –

Taken By Chance – Zayne Parekh (44.50 SCF% // 100 HDCF%) needs some serious recognition. He and his partner Kuznetsov (35.27% // 74.36%) were the only ones to not get scored on at 5v5, while Parekh went a perfect 5-0 in the high danger chances department, the only defenceman on the team not to surrender a high danger chance. We focus so much on his offensive prowess, but his transitional passing is elite as well. He used it effectively in this match to quickly tilt the ice the other direction, he also uses his above average skating to make sure he’s always back into position if he goes on the rush. The longer he plays here the hungrier he gets to create offence – superb play from him. On the flip side the pairing of Middleton (42.41% // 65.61%) and Whitecloud (29.90% // 36.03%) surrendered three 5v5 goals in this one. It’s been a struggle, but Calgary has nothing but time and limited expectations. May things play out as they will.

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – It’s past time I talk about the tear Joel Farabee (66.32 xGF%) is on. It’s not unrealistic for him to set career highs in production this season. I don’t think point per game is going to continue, but for right now let the streak roam free. He’s active around the net both passing and shooting, does the work on the boards, and has chemistry with his linemates. Throw in the power play boost and it’s all been a perfect storm for him. Yegor Sharangovich (38.07%) is on the opposite side of Farabee’s streak – he’s gone cold. Subtly as well, which is kind of what he does. When he’s on, he’s really good and noticeably getting chances, but when he’s off you hardly notice him out there. Just something to note – we’re in year 4 of Yegor, I’m not expecting much outside of the usual.

Game Flow –

Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – Poor Arsenii Sergeev got hung out to dry in this one. His defensive crew could have certainly done more to help him out, but his rebound control was a bit out of control at times. That’s not a real critical evaluation of a guy playing his second career game – he could clearly use more exposure to help him grow. I just think it’s a real positive that was birthed from the negative impact of the Cooley injury, getting to expose their young players to some game situations they would otherwise not be able to. 2.42 expected goals against at 5v5, 4 getting past him. Maybe next time his start lines up against an… easier opponent.

The Goals –

Robert Munnich

@Robert_Munnich

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🔥FLAMES GOAL🔥 Joel Farabee stays hot. He scores his 5th goal of the season! 🎥: Sportsnet | #Flames

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