[PGT] Flames throw up another stinker, lose 3-0 to Arizona

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Bingo

Exactly ... Backlund is actually one of the better players on the team when it comes to chance generation. He just isn't finishing. We saw this two years ago for the second line as well, and it doomed them to missing the playoffs.

But he's actually money when it comes to most stats ...

First on the team in expected individual goals for for example, 1st in high danger chances for.

Just can't bury.

This is obviously the issue. IMO they have improved in the other 2 zones* but it’s a tough goal scoring stretch. Top minute players haven’t produced like they have (especially compared to last year).

* Team play had not been where it needed to be at the start. It didn’t seem like the puck was moving quickly. It looked they they’ve always been reacting to what other team does first. I think the puck is moving better now.

Individually, people have already pointed out the guys who need to improve their games. I do remember Cassie pointing out last year that she noticed the difference from Gaudreau to the year before last and last year was that he was getting to the inside (getting into the middle) more in the offensive zone. Instead of the pull ups and turn backs. He may be reverting to that again - but I think he is still the dynamo of creating offense.

[Erick Estrada]

This team has had an issue going back years with players that can't bury even the simplest of scoring opportunities and Backlund is the poster boy for it. After a while it becomes clear that it's not bad luck and a matter of Backlund simply having below average hands which is why ideally he's not a 2nd line center. It really hurts the team having a guy that just can't bury prime scoring opportunities and it's also a waste of Tkachuk's talents.

[Flash Walken]

Scoring goals is the hardest thing to do in the nhl and it's why guys who score goals consistently have the highest value.

It's why someone who creates a lot of scoring chances but can't convert is less valuable than someone who converts more frequently on fewer chances.

The flames have 3 examples of this:

Monahan converts on a high frequency of chances. In a game where Monahan is outchanced, there's a good likelihood that he will produce more tangible offense than he allows because of his super high finishing ability.

Backlund scores at an average rate but below his chance numbers. Even though he converts less, his numbers look good because of how much tangible offense he suppresses.

Bennett struggles to score, so even though he creates good chance rates he's unlikely to outscore tangible offense against because his ability to convert is just so low.