Calgary Flames Extend Their Win Streak To Four Games
By Ramina Shlah
The Calgary Flames extended their win streak to four games against the Dallas Stars and their point streak to five games. What were the things the Flames did right this game?
The Calgary Flames extend their win streak to four games for the first time this season against the Dallas Stars. The Flames also extend their point streak to five games, earning nine out of a possible 10 points. Let’s look at some of the things the Flames did right this game.
Special Teams
The Calgary Flames, after immensely struggling basically all season long, have now scored four PP goals in their last three games. They’ve also scored three on their last five PP opportunities. I don’t know what they’ve done or if there is someone wearing a Dave Cameron mask, but it’s working.
I used to feel bad for the Flames when they would get a power play. It was sort of an unfair advantage to the other team. I’m not even exaggerating, that’s how horrendous their power play was.
But tonight, they did everything right with it. I still think someone’s wearing a Dave Cameron mask and pretending to be Dave Cameron. But that’s besides the point.
The Calgary Flames penalty kill has also been immensely improving over the last week. They have only allowed two power play goals against in their last 29 times being short handed. They’re also leading the league in SHG with six. Since November 22nd, the Flames are third on the PK with 92.6% and they’re first on the PP with 31.3%. If they can continue to keep their special teams and their discipline in check, they’ll continue to walk away with two points every night.
Related Story: Flames Penalty Kill Starting To Look Hopeful
Chad Johnson
Man, has Chad Johnson been a story this season. He’s basically the savior of the Calgary Flames. He’s been sent to them by the Hockey Gods. He made 29 saves on 30 shots tonight and he has been on fire for the last month now.
Since November 15th when he recorded his first shutout as a Flame, he’s had two more since then. He also has the second best save percentage with 0.946 and the third best GAA with 1.63 in that time frame, of all goalies who have played at least five games since then. He’s also leading for shutouts in that time frame and he’s played the more minutes than the goaltenders who currently have him beat. He also has the most amount of wins since then, with nine.
After coming to the Flames expecting to be more of a backup, he’s definitely taken over the starting role. If the Flames end up making playoffs, he will be a BIG reason for why and the Flames will owe him their lives.
Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan
Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan each got a goal and an assist in this game. Monahan has now extended his point streak to five games. Gaudreau, now playing in his second game back from his injury, has five goals in his last five games. Even with missing ten games, he’s still tied for the lead on the team in points. These two together don’t seem to be slowing down and they’re finally starting to play up to everyone’s expectations.
These two both now have four points in their last two games and they’re finally making me happy again.
Next: Predictions and Preview December 5 - 11
The Calgary Flames are now 3-0-0 in December and 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and they don’t have plans to slow down anytime soon. They also slowly and quietly climbed their way up to third in the Pacific division. If they can keep this up for the majority of the season, I can definitely see a playoff position in 2017.