The telling stat nobody expected from the Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames secured their 16th win by three or more goals in last night’s 5-2 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Only the Florida Panthers have more victories by three-plus goals (17). Considering the two lopsided meetings between the Flames and Panthers — with each team dominating at home — it’s a pretty fitting stat.

Who would have thought the Flames, more than halfway through the season, would have the second most lopsided wins in the entire league? Those who say they predicted this particular stat are either telling porky pies or have in their possession a crystal ball. And we all know which is more likely.

Not long ago, pundits, journalists and fans alike were deriding Calgary’s anemic secondary scoring. How quickly the tide can turn, as the Flames in recent weeks have seen an explosion of goals from players who were condemned for not contributing.

In last night’s triumph, the Flames for the first time this season got three goals from defensemen. Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Kylington and Noah Hanifin all got on the scoresheet. The usual suspects also contributed, with Andrew Mangiapane scoring (so much for not being able to score at home) and Elias Lindholm picking up one.

When the Flames win, they win big

Calgary has won five straight at Scotiabank Saddledome, four of which by three or more goals. The aforementioned Panthers, who lost 5-1 in Calgary on Jan. 18, were the first victims of a series of Flames’ onslaughts. Little did we know then it would become a trend.

Calgary swatted aside St. Louis 7-1, had to scratch and claw against the Canucks before pounding both Vegas (6-0) and Toronto (5-2) on successive nights.

While the score didn’t exactly reflect the run of play last night, the Flames deserve credit for their opportunistic nature. Darryl Sutter’s team went on a furious second period tear, scoring three goals in less than three minutes to put the game to bed.

That makes seven wins at the ‘Dome by three or more goals (41 percent of home wins), with a 6-0 whitewash of the Rangers, a 4-0 thrashing of the Flyers and a 5-2 win convincing display over the Blackhawks rounding out the lopsided home triumphs.

Which means Calgary has won nine away games (33 percent) by three or more goals, an incredible tally showcasing the Flames’ ability to score in bunches.

Jacob Markström is the biggest advocate, not only for the obvious reason, of seeing his team explode offensively. All eight of the Swede’s shutouts have come when the Flames win by three or more goals, six of which occurring in enemy territory.

I could go on and on about the superlatives that are shaping Calgary’s season. The Flames are now 10th in the NHL in goals per game (3.26), but have come on strong of late, scoring 24 goals in their last five home games and 39 in nine overall.

Sustaining their recent offensive outburst is near impossible, but the Flames, even with a sputtering power play of late, have definitely found a way to get goals, at least moderately, from everyone on the roster.

Combine those unlikely goal contributions from secondary sources with having the most prolific, lethal first line in the league and you can see clearly why the Flames are having their way with even the most elite challengers.