Calgary Flames Predictions and Preview of the Week December 5-11
By Ramina Shlah
The Calgary Flames will finally have just a three-game week instead of four from December 5th-11th. What does this week entail for this team?
The Calgary Flames will finally take a break from constantly having four-game weeks and will have just three games this week. They’ll have a two game road trip then come back home on the 10th to face the Winnipeg Jets.
So let’s take a look at their three games this week.
Tuesday December 6th – CGY @ DAL
This will be the second meeting between the two clubs, so let’s look at what happened last time.
The last time these two teams met, it was the Dallas Stars vs the Calgary Johnny Gaudreaus. In that game, the Stars scored twice in the first period and were up 2-0 heading into second. Then second period happens, and the Calgary Flames scored two by none other, Johnny Hockey. Now they’re heading into third period and they were tied at two a piece. But then, the Flames penalty kill happened, and the Stars scored a PPG and went 1/3 on the PP that night whereas Calgary was 0/2. Calgary did have more shots on goal, however, they failed in everything else. They were out power-played, out penalty-killed, outhit, and out shot-blocked. The Flames did end up getting a late power-play which would have been a perfect opportunity to score a PP goal and tie up the game, however they couldn’t take advantage.
Related Story: Flames Penalty Kill Starting To Look Hopeful
Good news right now, but the special teams are looking much better for the Flames. In their last five games, they’re tied for second on the power-play with 33.3% in that time frame. I’d like to add that three of their PPG’s came on home ice too, which they’ve been struggling immensely with. Their PK in that time frame is an 89.5% and they’ve only allowed two power play goals on 19 times short-handed.
Contrasting with the Stars, who’s PP in that time frame is 20% and their PK is 76.5%. The Flames’ record in those five games is 3-1-1 whereas the Stars are 1-2-1. This is definitely good news for the Flames and if they can keep their special teams in check and manage to stay out of the penalty box, I’m confident they can walk out with the two points.
Thursday December 8th – CGY @ ARI
The Arizona Coyotes have been in a bit of the same boat as the Calgary Flames. They’ve been having some problems with their scoring and can’t seem to find the back of the net that easily. Luckily, the Flames have been doing much better with that (pretty obvious when they scored eight goals against the Anaheim Ducks on December 4th, hey?).
The Coyotes have also been allowing way too many shots on goal. They allowed 60 shots against the Columbus Blue Jackets where they lost in a shootout.
The one factor that the reason the Flames could not win against the Coyotes is Mike Smith. Mike Smith has been bailing the Coyotes out most games and is the reason they’re not losing by five goals in every game. That’s also the reason why the Coyotes have gotten two extra points by their from losing in OT and shootout, because of Mike Smith.
If the Flames can beat the Mike Smith machine, I’m also confident they can walk out with the two points. Even if the Coyotes need to get that extra point as well.
The last time these two teams met on November 10th, the Flames won 2-1 in OT in Smith’s first game back from injury. I’m sensing a repeat in this game as well.
Saturday December 10th – CGY vs WPG
The Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets will meet for the first time this season, and they are both in the same boat as well right now. They both started off the season relatively poorly, but this last week they’ve definitely picked up their games. The Jets are 4-1-0 whereas the Flames are 3-1-1 in their last five. They also both have the exact same amount of wins, losses, and OT losses. But, because of ROW, the Jets are currently in the last wildcard spot and the Flames are just under it.
The good news is that in those last five games, the Flames have out-special teamed the Jets. Not that the Jets are doing poorly in those categories as of late, but the Flames are definitely doing better. However, the Jets do have a short-handed goal in that time frame. But the Flames have three.
This game will most likely be who can out-do the other with special teams. Another bit of good news for the Flames, but the Jets are only averaging 2.2 goals/gp in their last five games and they don’t seem to be getting too many shots on net. This game could also be a battle of the goaltenders, but by the way Chad Johnson has been playing, the Flames should have no problem with that.
Next: Flame for Thought's Three Stars of the Week: Nov 28 - Dec 4
So there you have it, the preview for this week. After last week’s performance, let’s hope the Flames can keep up their momentum. And if they can, other teams definitely need to watch out.