The Calgary Flames did everything within their power to disrupt the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. The Kings didn’t do a tremendous job of limiting their own offensive zone chances and hardly got more themselves, but when ready Markstrom was down for the task. Playoffs are a long lost thought at this point, but at least the Calgary Flames will go out swinging.
CF% – 60.25%, SCF% – 56.43%, HDCF% – 49.45%, xGF% – 50.6%
It’s a Team Game – I’m still convinced LA actually sleepwalked through this. It was all Calgary for so long as the Kings failed to generate even a runny nose. LA relied heavily on their PP for offence but at 5v5 they were a completely outplayed by the Flames. It was not particularly close either – it’s been that way for about a week around the NHL for Calgary, defence wins championships but it did not win the Kings this game.
Corsi King – Connor Zary (85.02%) getting his groove back has to be a top priority for Calgary. They’ve already now split him from Kadri – to success for 91 – but he still thrives at his position. Best finishing talent on the Flames for anyone not named Kuzmenko (38.39%) or Sharangovich (77.65%), Zary has been snakebitten since his injury return. There’s only single digit games left, and it’s been a while since he’s now returned, he needs to recover from that in a hurry and continue to develop.
Pressure –
Taken By Chance – MacKenzie Weegar (55.68 SCF% // 71.26 HDCF%) has certainly been a top Flame this season. I mean he’s 2nd in the league in goals – again – and the ent slowing down. He’s set himself up tremendously to try and get 20, which as a D-man is baffling. Tremendous season from a heart and soul guy that’ll be in Cowtown for years to come.
xG via HockeyViz –
xG% – both Zary (86.41%) and Matt Coronato (86.41%) led the way for Calgary. The second you remove Coronato from fourth line player she thrives, it’s happened multiple times this season. His heavy minus rating has s certainly eye catching but for those that have watched they know it’s really not entirely his fault. Typically Coronato is in the right position but occasionally he’s a step away from where he should be. If they don’t let him work those out at the NHL level the bad habits may persist.
Game Flow –
Shot Heatmap –
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