The Calgary Flames pulled into Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena after a rather poor showing in a loss to Columbus. This after a 4-1 home stand which gave Flames’ fans some encouragement after a spotty start. Their modest 13-11-2 record indicates that their summer roster adjustments have not gone quite as smoothly as Brad Treliving and Daryl Sutter had hoped.
Stats wise, Tyler Toffoli and Nazem Kadri lead the team with 10 goals each, they’re 5th in powerplay effectiveness at 82% and they lead the Western Conference in shots for per game.
The Maple Leafs on the other hand have produced points in their last 13 games – 10-0-3 and have a league leading point streak (21) sharp shooter in Mitchell Marner. With Nick Robertson out 6 to 8 weeks and Engvall on a 1 game suspension, Denis Malgin, Wayne Simmonds and Joey Anderson were called to action.
Toronto jumped off to a good start with lots of skating and a strong forecheck. This activity drew a power play in which Auston Matthews sniped another of his patented wristers with help from Nylander and Sandin less than 4 minutes in. Calgary shook off their bus legs to score to two in a row. The first was a 4 on 4 where Nathan Hannifan converted a pretty play from Huberdeau and Lindholm. Nazim Kadri put his Flames out front with his 11th only to have Nylander score his team leading 16th (his 6th in his last 8th) from the now celebrated 22 game point streaker Marner.
The Flames took a beating in the press and from their coach after their pathetic loss to Columbus the night before. After two periods playing the contending Leafs squad, you could tell they weren’t just going to rollover. They took the lead after pressuring the weak side on a Leaf defence that just wasn’t prepared. A defected wrister from Nylander, (his 13th in 17 games) with less than 3 minutes to go tied it back up at 3’s when the buzzer went.
Controversy enters all great contests and this one was no difference. A puck slipped through Murray’s pads to start the period even though a whistle was heard by some. After review, the goal was allowed and Calgary retook the lead. Bunting had been on a 7 point streak of his own – but none were goals and none were home goals. Remedy that with his game tying goal from linemates Mathews and Nylander. That gave the troika 8 points on the night. Uh Oh, 6 straight overtime losses by TML put to the test.
An unfortunate high sticking penalty off the opening faceoff helped Toronto to a 4 on 3 PP. All of the “Big 4” were on the ice when Marner buried it to get the win and break the OT jinx.
HOPPER NOTES: Great second screen viewing – Tiger and Rory vs Justin and Jordan in a night lit golf grudge match ! …I thought Kerfoot had one of his better games – maybe because Kadi was in town ? …I’m warming up to Connor Timmins in a limited 6th d- man role…always love the comments – keep ‘em coming…CHEERS !
Thanks for the report Dave. Entertaining as always, as was the contest. I guess I’m a little slow on the uptake. It finally occurred to me why Marner and Mathews seem so fast. Good skating aside, I think it’s the speed with which they make decisions. The contrast is easy to see when one watches Sandin and especially Holl. Cheers.
Good observation – sad to split them up but both are benefiting
Willie with five points.
Remember when he was overpaid?
How perceptions change.
Good job Hopper👍
You love that Willie Nye don’t you Glennie ?