Calgary Flames: Five Reasons They Made It To The Playoffs

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Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliott (right) shakes hands with goalie Chad Johnson (31) after the game against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

GOALTENDING

When mentioning the Calgary Flames goaltending, most people immediately think of Brian Elliott. And while Brian Elliott has definitely been a factor as of late and will completely be an x-factor for the Flames during the playoffs, this is also about Chad Johnson.

The Chad

Johnson may not be performing as well as Elliott right now, but we can’t really be blaming him for the losses. Let’s not forget that back in November, he was the Flames backbone and was a big reason they even got into a playoff spot in the first place and why they’re in one right now.

Back in November and half of December, he was there to bail out the team while Brian Elliott was still trying to find his game. In an eight game span, he had three shutouts from Mid November until beginning of December. His most he’s ever had in a season was three.

From the 15th of November (Johnson’s first shutout as a Flame) until December 10th (the end of a Flames six-game win streak), Johnson had the most wins out of all goaltenders in the league with 11 (min. 6 games), he had the second best record going 11-2-0, he had the best sv% with 0.946 (min. 6 games), and the best GAA with 1.61.

In that 13 game span, he also allowed two goals or less in 10 of the games and the highest he allowed was three goals in a game.

Now unfortunately, he has somewhat fallen a bit, but because of him, the Flames were able to enter a playoff spot for the first time all season and they even managed to jump to second place in the Pacific Division early in December and a large reason was because of him.

Now, like I said, he’s somewhat fallen a bit, but it’s a good thing Brian Elliott has found his game.

Moooooooose

The Calgary Flames lately have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL and a big reason for that is Brian Elliott. Since January 26th, Elliott has the most amount of wins out of every goaltender in the league with 18 and he has the best record going 18-3-1. He was a big reason why the Flames had a ten-game win streak which tied an ultimate franchise record, dating back to when they were still the Atlanta Flames. A big reason for that was Mr. Moose himself.

Elliott also had a record of his own. He not only beat his personal career best of 10 straight wins, but he tied a franchise record of 11 straight games, which was set and still held by Mike Vernon in 1989.

Something else happened that year, I think… Foreshadowing, perhaps?

I’d also like to note that in that 12th game for him, he still managed to make 36 saves, but unfortunately the team in front of him couldn’t perform and back him up. But that’s in the past now.

As we’re all aware, the Flames are in the playoffs. And a big reason for that is Brian Elliott and if they can go far, that reason will also be Brian Elliott. He has the experience, the confidence, and an entire city chanting his name. Let’s just hope that Chad Johnson can get back to his November Chad Johnson self and be the notable backup we all know he can be.

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