3 Takeaways From Flames Intense 6-4 Win Over Blackhawks

The Calgary Flames are mathematically and statistically a stronger team than the Chicago Blackhawks, their opponent on Saturday afternoon at the Saddledome. However, they weathered away a 5-1 lead in the third period to escape with a 6-4 win to end their five-game homestand 2-1-2.

The Flames scored in almost every situation, with two even-strength goals (Nazem Kadri, Connor Zary), a power play tally (Matt Coronato), a shorthanded goal (Jonathan Huberdeau), and capped off the night with an empty-net goal from Mikael Backlund.

Huberdeau had a chance to give the Flames a goal in every situation but did not score on his penalty shot attempt in the first period.

Even though he won, Dustin Wolf finished the afternoon with a .857 SV%, his third-worst total of the season, stopping 24 of 28 shots.

Thankfully, Calgary heads into their week off with a win. However, it almost didn’t happen. Let’s discuss.

The Flames Escape the Pesky Blackhawks

After building up a 5-1 lead after two periods, the final period between the Flames and Blackhawks was shaping up to be feisty. Naturally, things got heated when the visitors cut the lead to 5-4. Tempers flared, and the march to the box and dressing room commenced.

Calgary had three penalties through two periods, and Chicago had five. The two teams combined for ten penalties in the third, with an even 5-5 split.

Ultimately, the Flames were thinking ahead to Christmas and let the Blackhawks get under the skin. Whether it was crashing the crease-type goals or slashes on the back of the leg, Calgary didn’t play their game in the final 20, and it almost cost them two valuable points on home ice.

On Saturday afternoon, the Flames were lucky to win against one of the weaker opponents in the league because, in the final minutes, it was indeed anyone’s game.

Wolf Can Only Carry This Team So Far

Wolf improved his home record to 9-1-1, but his statistics suffered on Saturday. He gave up some goals that his teammates didn’t help him with. Through the first two periods, he had given up only one goal on 18 shots, a nice snipe from former first-overall pick Connor Bedard.

Related: Can Wolf Became Fifth Flames Goalie To Win 20 Home Games In Single Season?

However, he surrendered three goals on just ten shots in the third. He made some nice saves initially and kept the Flames from blowing a 5-1 lead in the final minutes. If this game was on the road, where Wolf isn’t a star every night, the Flames could have walked away from this contest with a loss.

Thankfully, Calgary got some secondary scoring today besides Huberdeau and Kadri, but some defensive lapses and missed assignments continue to haunt this team, who have a goal differential of minus-11.

Can the Flames Carry Their Offensive Momentum Into the New Year?

On Saturday, the Flames scored six goals for the third time this season. Ten out of the 18 skaters in the lineup found their name on the scoresheet, and only Kevin Bahl finished the evening at minus-1.

After leading the team in shots on goal (six), both Backlund and Coranto scored, along with Zary, who has been doing everything except burying the puck over the past few games.

Despite playing some questionable hockey in the third period, the first 40 minutes must serve as a momentum builder as the Flames return to action against the San Jose Sharks next weekend.

Like the Blackhawks, Calgary has to play a full 60 minutes since the teams at the bottom of the standings are interested in derailing seasons. Ultimately, players stepping up with secondary scoring on Saturday afternoon has to be the first step towards improving and getting clutch wins in the second half.