Winning has become routine of late for the Calgary Flames.
With just one regulation loss in their last 12 outings, the NHL’s hottest team has found a way to win games almost every way imaginable.
They’ve had success in river hockey shootouts, Hitchcock-type grinders, they’ve made comebacks, won overtime thrillers and they’ve done wonders shorthanded and with the man advantage.
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Yet, a pattern has emerged of late.
Dating back almost a full month the Calgary Flames have scored four or more goals every-second outing, including Sunday’s 7-2 win in St. Louis. Yet, invariably, they follow up every offensive outburst with a tight battle, scoring three goals or less.
A quick look back demonstrates my point.
StL 7-2
Min 2-1
Phi 6-5
Edm 0-1
Nash 5-2
Min 2-0
Clb 9-6
Chi 3-2
LA 4-1
Dal 3-4 (OT)
Ari 6-1
LV 0-2
Wpg 6-3
So, following Saturday’s 2-1 win against Minnesota, few should have been surprised it was time for another stat-dazzler.
True to form, five different Flames posted multiple-point efforts including Johnny Gaudreau (2-1) Mark Giordano (1-1), Alan Quine (2-0), Elias Lindholm (1-2) and Matthew Tkachuk who put on a show for family and friends in his hometown.
It’s firepower like that that has Flames fans thoroughly entertained, forever hopeful comebacks are possible and optimistic this team can eventually enter the playoffs capable of playing any type of game possible to continue this special season.
If history serves, get ready for a tight one in Dallas. More takeaways from the latest win by the NHL’s top team in the west:
GIORDANO ON A ROLL
Fresh off back-to-back games with shorthanded goals (a Flames club record for defenceman) Giordano moved into a first-place tie for the NHL scoring lead amongst blue liners.
Scoring in his third-straight game, Giordano also added an assist, which gives him 11 points in his last five games. All told he’s at six goals and 29 helpers to put him in a deadlock with Morgan Rielly, Thomas Chabot and John Carlson at 35 points.
While we’ve been beating the drum for Mr. Do-It-All to get into the Norris Trophy conversation for several weeks, Don Cherry finally joined the talk Saturday night, raining endless praise on the Flames captain for all he does.
In the midst of, by far, his best season offensively, the 35-year-old also continues to be one of the game’s best leaders.
Proving just how capable he is at absolutely everything this year, Giordano was ready and willing to take on a fight challenge Saturday in Minnesota where he knew he’d have to answer for the knee-on-knee collision with Mikko Koivu that earned him his first NHL suspension.
Koivu, who is still out of the Wild lineup, said he received a classy text from Giordano apologizing for the hit, as Giordano promised he would deliver.
That didn’t stop cheeky Wild players from screaming to a teammate loud enough for analyst Cassie Campbell to hear, “watch your knee,” as Giordano moved in for a pinch.
Giordano also ended Sunday afternoon tied for the NHL lead at plus-21 with Carlson.
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EVER-ROTATING DOOR
The news keeps getting better for the Flames as Mikael Backlund returned to the lineup after missing four games due to concussion protocol following the big hit he took from Matt Dumba.
It’s a huge addition, given the second-line centre is the Flames best defensive forward.
Kerby Rychel was called up and caused traffic in front of the night to help Quine score his second of the game – the Flames third powerplay goal in four chances.
Mike Smith returned to be David Rittich’s backup after missing one game due to “general soreness,” resulting in the quick demotion of Jon Gillies. Gillies and Andrew Mangiapane boarded the same flight to Stockton, where it’s anyone’s guess which player will be called up next.
As far as Rittich goes, he’s won three in a row and moves to 11-3-1 with a GAA just over 2.00.
Austin Czarnik also drew back in due to an injury Sam Bennett suffered in Minnesota – likely a hand ailment stemming from his fight with Ryan Suter.
The only other blemish is the one likely to be imprinted o the left side of James Neal’s face after taking a puck there late Sunday. He did return to action.
SHORTY SNIPES
The Flames power play was almost perfect (3-for-4) but it’s the short-handed success of late that has many people shaking their heads in Calgary.
Elias Lindholm made it three games in a row for the Flames to score while undermanned, converting a breakaway in the midst of a four-goal opening period (a four-feat the Flames lead the league in with six of em.)
Their nine short-handed goals trails only Phoenix in that category, and the Flames now have their best penalty killer back in Backlund.
NEXT UP: Flames wrap up their three-game-in-four days roadie in Dallas Tuesday.
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