Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
Wow ... Hanifin played just over 16 minutes against McDavid last night and played him to a McDavid xGF% of 34%.
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Good write up, as always
A couple of things. I too was surprised about the Smith high stick and play continuing
Hanifin had good stats against McDavid for sure. Definitely the idea that it’s tougher for the opposing offensive stars to score when they are in their own zone was on Sutter’s mind
You mentioned early in the Game Takes about the Flames’ time with the puck. I think there are a few things that contributed to that. One was takeaways. Overall the takeaway count was 12-6 in favour of the Flames and I recall noting more than once some extra back pressure and pockets being picked in the neutral zone. Backlund led the team with 4 takeaways (while having no giveaways, himself)
Those plays where the Oilers were a bit nonchalant, got stripped of the puck and the Flames quickly put it in their zone? *chef’s kiss*