Calgary Flames make statement with 5-1 win over Panthers

The Calgary Flames shut down the league’s most prolific offence and comprehensively outplayed the Florida Panthers in the emphatic 5-1 win.

Now that’s more like it. They say revenge is best served cold. Couldn’t agree more after watching the Flames atone for their lopsided defeat in Florida two weeks ago. It was a near-flawless performance from Darryl Sutter’s team.

The Flames came out of the gates with intent, purpose and bundles of energy. Leveraging Jacob Markström’s strong early play, Calgary took the game to the high-flying Panthers. The game had a bit of everything, including two Sean Monahan goals, whose struggles around the goal have been well documented. He’ll take an immeasurable amount of confidence from the outstanding outing, which he’ll use as a platform to springboard from.

For the 10th time in his career, Johnny Gaudreau had four assists while Matthew Tkachuk scored a sensational goal, redirecting at hip height a puck he had no business of getting on net, let alone deftly tucking it in.

Markström was completely dialled in and made some key saves throughout. When playing such a dynamic offensive unit — who, by the way, has the most goals in the NHL (158) — you’ll need to rely on some big, timely saves from your netminder. The Calgary Flames got exactly that.

The Flames also played sound defensive hockey, music to Sutter’s ears. It was a quintessentially Sutter-style game, as the Flames’ defence were organized, physical and helped their goaltender with numerous timely blocks, particularly on the penalty kill.

Erik Gudbranson and Rasmus Andersson enjoyed stellar all-round performances, both of whom making key blocks at opportune moments. Andersson chipped in with the opening goal, too. No biggie.

Blake Coleman, who has six on the season, scored his second in as many games against the Panthers. Both Monahan and Coleman have scored 33 percent of their goals against the Panthers this season.

Oh, and did I mention the Flames scored two on the power-play. Goals for slumping forwards, four assists from the team’s top scorer, two power-play goals, an outstanding outing from Markstrom, a solid defensive performance and a lopsided scoreline, all against the best team in the league.

Not too shabby.

It’s the type of game that can set the tone for weeks to come. And Sutter will be thrilled, though he won’t show it.

The stoic coach will be delighted by the way his side reacted after their last performance, a listless 4-1 to the Sens. What a difference five days can make. The Panthers, prior to tonight’s game, scored 50 goals in their last eight games and hadn’t lost in regulation in nine outings.

Until tonight.

What a bounce-back performance. Bring on our loathed, bitter rivals, who are reeling and enduring a horrible stint. Bring on the Oilers.