Three interesting stats from the Flames dominant win over Vegas

The Calgary Flames, who thrashed the Vegas Golden Knights 6-0, played a flawless 60 minutes in their return to action at the Scotiabank Saddledome. 

An impressive outing whichever way you look at it, the Flames comprehensively outplayed the current leaders of the Pacific Division. The Flames are now just five points back with five games in hand.

Three goals in 10:03 of the first period put Calgary in a commanding position. Daryl Sutter’s team has won their last four home games by a 19-2 margin. That’s the definition of dominance.

Here’s three stats from yet another sublime home outing.

Matthew Tkachuk continues to excel versus Golden Knights

Tkachuk enjoyed another three-point performance, including a between-the-legs classic in the third period. Robin Lehner barely even registered Tkachuk’s presence before the puck rippled the mesh.

Tkachuk now has 17 points in 11 games versus Vegas and is the most successful Flames player against their pesky Pacific Division rivals. It’s an exceptional return against a usually solid hockey team.

Jacob Markström two shutouts shy of Kipper’s record

Markström picked up his eighth shutout of the season. Yes, eight shutouts. It’s a staggering statistic that feels even more extraordinary the more you say it. Give it a try. There’s something incredibly satisfying about hearing it repeated aloud numerous times.

The ace Swede is now just two shy of Miikka Kiprusoff’s club record, which was set back in the 2005-2006 season. Calgary still has 39 games remaining in the current campaign, rendering Markström’s eight shutouts even more outstanding.

If he keeps on playing the way he is, Markström could end the year with 12, maybe even 13 shutouts. Even Tony Esposito’s otherworldly single-season record of 15 goose eggs, set in 1969-1970, might not be beyond Markström at this rate.

Flames perfect on the penalty kill in four-game home winning streak

The Flames have killed 10 straight penalties, a stat that has contributed significantly to their four-game home winning streak. When you have a brick wall between the pipes,10 straight kills doesn’t seem as notable. But both penalty killing units deserve ample credit for keeping the Vegas, St. Louis and Florida off the scoresheet. Throw in yet another goose egg against Vancouver and the Flames have a rather flawless quartet to boast about.

Only taking 10 penalties has also contributed to the Flames recent home success. Playing disciplined hockey is a sure-fire way to garner optimal results, which the Flames are proving each time they step onto the ice inside the ‘Dome’s friendly confines.