Matthew Coronato shines as Flames shake off slow start to beat Jets

Taken By Chance – Now everybody wants to get to the games MVP in Matt Coronato (56.61 SCF% // 71.03 HDCF%) – but you have to shout-out the guy who didn’t see a high danger chance against while racking up over 4 – that’s Adam Ružička (62.24% // 100%). The defence pairing of Zadorov (56.42% // 100%) and Oesterle (56.42% // 100%) also didn’t surrender a high danger look. I’ve been openly critical of Oesterle but he played a good game and showed more mobility than others that have recently taken spins on the Flames 3^rd pair.

xG Breakdown –

xGF% – Mikael Backlund (80.30%) led the way for his team with Matt Coronato (79.03%) just behind him. I wish I saw some more accurate plays from Jonathan Huberdeau (40.58%) – there were some spots where he found the puck in great space to make a pass and it resulted in not much in terms of chances. I’m not overly concerned about his long-term success, I’m just greedy in the pre-season. Kadri (35.91%) and Dubé (37.89%) may have found the scoresheet but they didn’t generate the best chances. Dubé was a guy I pegged as needing a big year last year, my potential ceiling for him dropped when he didn’t make those steps, but that does not mean he doesn’t still have an offensive spark. I’m hoping it just comes together this year and the new style of attack is enough to help him grow.

Game Flow –

Game Score –

Shot Heatmap –

In The Crease – Not the best night for Markstrom. He’s going to have to not let goals like number 4 in this year if he wants to stay ahead of the Wolf. 2.15 expected goals against with 3 high danger and one medium danger goal against. It was not a strong performance so it’s a good thing it gets erased in less than a week. Look, Markstrom is on this team no matter what – the questions are dependent on how he performs. If he gets back to even an average level the Flames have a shot at the postseason for sure, if he plays like last year the team will have to look themselves in the mirror and make the hard choice.

Player Spotlight – Matt Coronato – Let’s get this straight – he’s on the team (duh) and he’s going to be a mainstay in the top 6 lines. They should probably already get him on the first powerplay unit as soon as possible too. He’s legitimate folks, we knew he had the shot but against NHL competition his motor just doesn’t quit. He pursues the puck better than even the Flames own Mangiapane, who I believe is one of the best open-ice forecheckers in the league. He displayed his IQ, his vision, and that lethal release all in one game. Go pick out a house Mr. Coronato – you aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The Goals –

Flashalytic’s 3 Stars –

1) Matt Coronato

2) Mikael Backlund

3) Adam Ruzicka

HM) Zadorov/Oesterle pairing

(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)