Calgary Flames Three Keys To Beating The New York Rangers
By Luke Ryan
Dec 10, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly (90) and Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman (6) battle for the puck during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Just as vital as the forwards offensive production over the course of the Calgary Flames home streak has been the defense finally starting to generate some valuable points production.
Against such a strong goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, provided he plays, it’s going to be vital that anyone with a sniff at net takes their chance. Whether that’s Joe Colborne, Michael Frolik, Dennis Wideman or Mark Giordano is less an issue.
However, it’s been noticeable that the Calgary Flames form has coincided with the defense finally gelling and offering additional offensive support.
Leah Hextall of Sportsnet was keen to point out the turnaround in fortunes since the defense starting weighing in on offense:
With Wideman's assist on the Monahan goal, #Flames defense now has 15 points in 4 games - which they've won 3.... Coincidence?
— Leah Hextall (@leahhextall) December 11, 2015
Fifteen points in four games is no small feat; especially given it’s been a sixteen goal haul from the Calgary Flames over this stint. That points to the defense averaging at least a goal or assist between it for every team goal scored.
In an interview with Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald, defenseman T.J. Brodie said ‘Confidence is huge and we need to just relax and play our game. At the end of the day, we have to play the way we’ve been playing.’
He was surely talking both of their increased production but also of more solid partnerships forming in defense – Brodie himself is surely benefiting from Mark Giordano finally recovering to form more akin to last season.
The New York Rangers will likely prove a stern test for the Calgary Flames defensemen; players such as Mats Zuccarello, Derick Brassard and Rick Nash aren’t names to be dismissed and they’ll need to be on alert.
Whether it’s Jonas Hiller or Karri Ramo in the net behind them, neither has truly remarkable averages for the season and will definitely need a certain level of protection offered them by those in front. Heavy checks may be the order of the day, but equally they’ll need to continue providing support to their forward trios.
If the defense can achieve both these goals, then the Calgary Flames will surely be more than halfway to victory.
Next: Gaudreau And Monahan Need To Keep Producing