Special teams
We're almost at the 1/5 mark of the season, so I think some patterns and impressions about the team that's been assembled are starting to develop. One that has stood out to me has been the special teams play. It's been costing us so far.
Power Play
The power play is at 14.3% efficiency, good for 21st in the league. Home is 13.0% - 22nd, Road is 15.2% - 20th.
Last five games:
Nov 5 @ Min: 0 for 4 (5-1 L)
Nov 3 @ Chi: 0 for 0 (Missed penalty shot) (3-2 W)
Nov 1 vs. Det: 0 for 5 (4-3 L)
Oct 30 vs. Tor: 0 for 5 (2 SH GA) (4-2 L)
Oct 26 vs. Wsh: 0 for 4 (5-2 W)
The PP seemed to be working OK early on - simple plays, Wideman RH one-timer, and Cammy LH one-timer when he came back. I can't put my finger on exactly what's gone stale, but it seems the Flames might be a bit predictable? Puck possession is also a concern, as losing so many faceoffs kills a lot of PP time. Monahan and Cammy have been getting killed in the circle on the PP. Monahan's learning, but we need more from Cammy in this area. Colborne does well on the PP, even though his overall FO game is wildly inconsistent. Again, growing pains and a learning curve are part of it here.
I think Hudler and Wideman are good for both puck possession and play selection, even though Wideman's shot might be easily scouted. I would like to see another shooter or two try and step up and make the opposition take notice. I don't know if it's the traditional tendency to defer to a teammate on the PP so you don't appear greedy, or if it's a confidence thing - but we need more people being more assertive with taking shots. I think losing Stempniak and Giordano for extended periods has robbed the PP of two vets who would not be afraid to shoot.
Whether it's the occasional one from Russel or Billins (while he's here) instead of Wideman, or another forward like Baertschi or Glencross (before he got hurt), we need to be less predictable when it comes to shot selection.
The power play could have made a big difference against Detroit, and cost us the game against Toronto.
Penalty Kill
The penalty kill is at 76.6% efficiency, good for 27th in the league. Home is 92.9% - 6th, Road is 69.7% - 27th.
Last five games:
Nov 5 @ Min: 2 for 3
Nov 3 @ Chi: 2 for 3
Nov 1 vs. Det: 3 for 3
Oct 30 vs. Tor: 1 for 1
Oct 26 vs. Wsh: 3 for 3
The PK was atrocious to start the season, but has steadily improved just as the PP has begun to tank. I was surprised how highly ranked the Flames are for PK at Home. Three perfect outings at home recently helped that. With the work ethic the coaches are instilling, it stands to reason the PK would benefit.
But the road PK has not gotten much better. Again, I think the puck possession is a big part of this. Lose faceoffs on the PK and you can be scrambling around in your zone or fishing the puck out of your net. Street was getting killed early on, but the rest of the team is staring to fare better in this area. Backlund has been particularly strong on the PK faceoffs.
The PK couldn't be faulted for the Chicago 5-on-3 goal - the system was well executed, talented guys with that much space will beat you.
I think injuries have played a part here, as veterans you would expect to play this role have been out a lot or not healthy at the same time. Stajan, Stempniak, Giordano, now Glencross. Backlund has worked out OK in the role, I'm wondering if it's too much to ask of Colborne or Monahan to try out more on the PK. Maybe not as much for defensive starts (as much as you can manage that), but more shifts at least.
Out of the last five games, 3 have been close enough where better special teams play could have really had a positive effect on the outcome and game results. Hopefully the coaching staff can get them clicking better, and the players that are healthy can step in, accept larger special team roles, and deliver. Otherwise special teams will cost us more wins and points over the rest of the season.
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