The Calgary Flames had a dominating first period against the New York Islanders on Sunday afternoon. This extended their win streak to a season-high of seven games.
The Calgary Flames have managed to extend their win-streak to seven games with a win over the New York Islanders Sunday afternoon. This is their longest win-streak of the season and longest current win-streak in the NHL.
A big factor for this was because of a dominating first period. They had 21 shots that first period. The first 16 shots, Thomas Greiss stopped all of them and looked incredible. Then Flames scored four goals in 4:40 to end the first period. This would cause a goalie change after that first period.
Let’s talk about some things that happened in this game.
Every line contributed
Today, for the first time in a while, every line had a goal or contributed on a goal in some way. 12 different players on the team had at least one point on the play.
Tonight, another Mike opened up the scoring. Michael Frolik opened up the scoring 14:56 into the first period. Then another goal. Then another. And then another goal with a beautiful patience pass from Johnny Gaudreau to Sean Monahan to make it 4-0 heading into the second period.
The score would remain 4-1 after 40 minutes of play. In the third period, the Flames had a 3-on-1 chance because of a collision between Josh Ho-Sang and Travis Hamonic (Yikes) which resulted in a goal from Kris Versteeg.
And today, with Mikael Backlund getting an assist, he has now tied his season high of 47 points. With still 16 games left in the season. Him having his best season yet is definitely an understatement.
Goaltending
Like I mentioned, the Calgary Flames took this one 5-2, but Brian Elliott was still spectacular. He did let in a bit of a soft goal with that second goal, but may as well let in your one soft goal when your team is up four goals. He managed to stop 33 of 35 shots, earning him the third star of the game.
Related Story: Brian Elliott vs Chad Johnson Debate
Brian Elliott has definitely found his game and its come at a crucial time when the Flames needed him. Since the All-Star break, he has the second most wins out of all goalies with nine. He’s right behind Braden Holtby whom has 10 wins. His record is also second best, right after Holtby, going 9-1-1 in that 11 game stretch. He has a save percentage of 0.927 and 2.19 GAA. Safe to say that he’s starting to look like the Moose the Flames initially traded for.
He has allowed only two goals or less in his last five games and in eight of his last ten starts. Again, this couldn’t have come at a better time.
They can hold on to leagues
The Flames finally scored the first goal today, after going five games allowing the first goal on net. They now have the third best win % when leading after the first period and second best win % when leading after the second period. They trail just the Pittsburgh Penguins when leading after the second period, but only by .001. Wait.. are you…. telling me.. that the Flames are actually a decent team? Who would have thunk.
Also, for what it’s worth, the Flames are now 7-0-0 with both Michael Stone and Matt Bartkowski in the lineup together. Which means they’re also 7-0-0 without Dennis Wideman in the lineup.
A coincidence?
Next: Flames Acquire Lazar and Another Mike From Senators
That’s all in this post-game recap! The Calgary Flames now have three days off before facing the Montreal Canadiens, let’s hope we won’t have a repeat of what happened after bye-week.