Beyond the Boxscore: The Calgary Flames nightmare homestand continues in loss to Columbus Blue Jackets

Taken By Chance – Outside of Zary (85.56 SCF% // 100 HDCF%), Coronato (100% // 100%), and Kadri (71.89% // 100%) none of the other 9 forwards were able to generate more than a single high danger look at 5v5. Elias Lindholm (52.70% // 28.32%) has shown this season to be a perfectly capable defensive player against top competition, but without wingers playing at an elite level there’s a severe lack of offensive creative ability in his game. The Flames are going to get a wake-up call after he’s moved because they’ve done nothing but rely on him more than every player this year. After he’s moved the offence being sparked is a possibility, but who the pivot will be may take a few weeks to find out.

xG Breakdown – 

xGF% – Matt Coronato (89.41%) was buzzing out there. Legs going, driving deep into the attacking zone, heading to the dirty areas. He’s doing a lot of little things that are going to lead to offence if they continue. He’s a special player and he’s getting better by the day. The AHL stint was a great way for him to show himself he belongs at the next level, now it’s making it work on a consistent basis. If he plays like that more often, he’ll start finding the goals. Outside of his line though the sheer amount of quality generated was inferior to the 29th in the standings Blue Jackets. Just simply can’t have that happen and state you’re a playoff team.

Game Flow – 

Game Score –

Shot Heatmap – 

In The Crease – The positive goodwill is enough that there’s no need to roast Markstrom over the second goal. The first goal everyone and their dog knows those happen maybe once a year and it certainly isn’t the goaltenders fault. Not a banner night for Markstrom but you can’t point the finger entirely at goaltender scoring just 2 goals in the game. They had power play chances, but they don’t generate enough there to help out their tendy on nights when he makes a rare mistake. 1.03 expected goals against with 2 at 5v5 getting behind him.

Player Spotlight – Oliver Kylington –  No critique, just sheer happiness to see him back and playing at a level like he never even left. The entire C of Red fanbase has been so open and patient in this process so to see him come back feels like a collective win for everyone. Most importantly I am so glad Oliver has gotten back to a good place. We only get one brain and one life and it takes bravery to take a step away to make sure it’s taken care of. I have nothing but respect for Kylington and cannot wait to see him finish out the year.

The Goals – 

Flashalytic’s 3 Stars – 

1) Matt Coronato

2) Connor Zary

3) MacKenzie Weegar

(Stats compiled from Naturalstattrick.com // Game Score from Hockeystatcards.com // xG and Under Pressure charts from HockeyViz.com // Game Flow and Shot Heatmap from NaturalStatTrick.com)