number17
Mod Squad
Burkie's Flames has been quite a story in the NHL this year. Picked by some to contend for McDavids, the Flames are, surprisingly, still well in the playoff picture after 28 games. In fact, 38 points in the tough Western conference has them tied for 5th in the West, in what is turning out to be a surprising development for a team that finished 2nd worst in the West last season.
Led by a Norris-worthy season (thus far) by Giordano, the Flames have plenty of scoring depth. 10 players are in double digit in points already and are on pace for 30+ points. The Flames are 5th in GFA in the league, scoring average of 3.01G per game (compared to TO's 2nd in league GFA, 3.39GFA). Defensively the Flames are a lot more average, allowing 2.49 GAA for 11th in league (which is still better than Toronto's near bottom GAA) Calgary allows 29 shots per game, which is again, average ~ average minus.
What has given Calgary success is their consistency and their ability to win close games. Calgary has NOT lost 2 games in a row since Oct 28 (and even that was a SO loss). Their longest losing streak is 2, and this is just a very consistent team that comes to work every night, every shift. I wish I can say the same about the Leafs.
Calgary's goaltending isn't especially strong (Ramo and Hiller at .915 and .913 respectively), and coming off a loss to SJ on Sat night, we have a chance to hand them their 2nd losing streak of the season tonight.
Komarov is still out, with what is now confirmed to be concussion (thanks Ovie, and thanks to NHL for not even considering discipline to a clear hit to the head) and no lineup change is expected. Bernier is expected to get another start tonight.
Go Leafs Go!!!
Led by a Norris-worthy season (thus far) by Giordano, the Flames have plenty of scoring depth. 10 players are in double digit in points already and are on pace for 30+ points. The Flames are 5th in GFA in the league, scoring average of 3.01G per game (compared to TO's 2nd in league GFA, 3.39GFA). Defensively the Flames are a lot more average, allowing 2.49 GAA for 11th in league (which is still better than Toronto's near bottom GAA) Calgary allows 29 shots per game, which is again, average ~ average minus.
What has given Calgary success is their consistency and their ability to win close games. Calgary has NOT lost 2 games in a row since Oct 28 (and even that was a SO loss). Their longest losing streak is 2, and this is just a very consistent team that comes to work every night, every shift. I wish I can say the same about the Leafs.
Calgary's goaltending isn't especially strong (Ramo and Hiller at .915 and .913 respectively), and coming off a loss to SJ on Sat night, we have a chance to hand them their 2nd losing streak of the season tonight.
Komarov is still out, with what is now confirmed to be concussion (thanks Ovie, and thanks to NHL for not even considering discipline to a clear hit to the head) and no lineup change is expected. Bernier is expected to get another start tonight.
Go Leafs Go!!!