Nov 28, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Calgary Flames line up for the national anthem before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
For the Calgary Flames, the month of November hasn’t exactly been brilliant, but in finding a silver lining, five players performances have stood out.
With a record of five wins and seven losses across the month, the Calgary Flames haven’t exactly been in the sort of form that’ll see them making the play-offs.
A combination of poor defense, questionable (at times) goaltending and a rather dull offense (outside of the first two lines) has gotten them there and it seems unlikely to change.
Even more concerning is the fact three of those five wins came in overtime. Say what you like, this holds a somewhat increased element of luck since it became a three-on-three contest; luck and having a speedy stick handler like Johnny Gaudreau leading your overtime lines.
Certain players have massively underperformed, not just in November but the Calgary Flames season so far; not least the captain, Mark Giordano who may be seen as resting on his laurels after signing his six-year contract at the end of last year.
Jiri Hudler is another, who after a career best last year has dropped back to normal production levels, whilst Dougie Hamilton, the summer’s big arrival from the Boston Bruins and a player seen to give the Calgary Flames the best blue-line corps hasn’t quite settled in, still.
Should this group hit form, alongside our five best performers from the month gone by, who knows whether the Calgary Flames can force themselves into contention, at least for a wildcard spot?
Next: Number #5: Kris Russell