Read a bunch of tweets this morning talking about the Flames record since November 15, Johnson's numbers since November 15... then came across this article which was written on November 15, prior to the Flames taking on Minnesota:
https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/gulu...ce/c-283752646
To set the stage: Flames are 5-10-1, have lost four straight, and are 1-6-0 in their past seven games. Coming of a listless performance against the Rangers at home. PP and PK are both abysmal.
So what happens:
- Tkachuk returns to the lineup following a minor wrist injury
- Bennett moved to the wing to play with Stajan
- Hathaway dresses for the first time this season
- The D pairings are tweaked (again): Giordano now with Hamilton, Brodie with Wideman
- (Backup) Chad Johnson gets the start
The result?
- Flames grind out a 1-0 win
- Johnson makes 27 saves for the shutout
Since November 15 (per Darren Haynes):
- Flames are 9-3-1 (third in NHL in win%)
- Johnson is 9-2-0, 1.63 GAA, .946 Sv%
- PP is 19.4% (tied for 10th)
- PK is 86.0% (11th)
Conclusion:
While the team's recent success isn't solely attributable to the changes made on November 15, it clearly has been a catalyst for their turnaround these past few weeks.
Looking back in hindsight, it's interesting to read some of Gulutzan's comments back on November 15 (per the link above):
Quote:
They say if it ain't broke don't fix it.
In the case of the Calgary Flames, mired in a three-game skid, a fix is needed and that's what coach Glen Gulutzan is trying to do.
Calgary is facing a very good Minnesota Wild team tonight at Xcel Energy Center that is swimming in depth, and Gulutzan has overhauled his lineup in search of some consistency throughout the lineup.
...
"We talked about 50-50 hockey over the last couple of days and being better at managing the puck and being comfortable at playing 50-50 hockey, because that's what the NHL is and then relying a little bit on your specialty teams."
...
The forwards aren't the only part of the Flames that will get a makeover. The blueline will also see a number of changes, most notably Dougie Hamilton being paired up with captain Mark Giordano.
...
"I'm a big fan of righty-lefty pairs, I think it helps you spread the ice out, helps you play quicker. Spreads the ice out in the offensive zone, through the neutral zone."
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