Beyond the Boxscore: Flames and Penguins host an entertaining hockey game

Fans were treated to a truly entertaining game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. The Penguins got the better of Calgary, but they fought back, and with a lot of physicality in their game to boot. Momentum wobbled back and forth although both teams had stretches where they were in control of play for a stretch. The guards had to make about 5 alarm saves on both sides to send this game to a shootout where Evgeni Malkin picked up the winner on the night he was honored for 1,000 games with the Pens.

CF% – 47.35%, SCF% – 49.4%, HDCF% – 41.24%, xGF% – 42.66%

It’s a team game – Ultimately, no game will ever be scored perfectly, with tonight being no exception. Pittsburgh takes the lead due to the extra danger opportunities they were able to overcome the Flames. The second period saw the Penguins get some prime chances, but after that it was all good for Calgary until Dubé got the deflection goal. Jarry was in net for the Penguins, and he deserves as much praise for his performance in that game as I’m going to give Vladar later.

King Corsi – Nothing crazy tonight but a whole bunch of players at almost 50% in all areas. MacKenzie Weegar (57.31%) to Nazem Kadri (46.30%) and the 11 guys between them playing close to shot-for-shot hockey. Positive signs that Calgary was able to put together such a competitive display – the new lines didn’t stagnate. Here, I hope that will not happen. Some people may still complain that Huberdeau (47.41%) and his linemates aren’t attacking enough – I say as long as the performances stay strong and the points keep coming, leave the lines alone.

Corsican Clown – Andrew Mangiapane (40.01%) along with Dubé (41.91%) were the attackers at the bottom of the list, not an insult just by sharing the result. These two guys with Kadri in the second half had a hell of a shift which deservedly ended with the goal. The three boys didn’t lose a puck battle and spent it in the offensive zone as if they had been playing together for years. They turned cold after a hot start, but Dubé has now found the scoresheet in two straight games – we look forward to seeing if that line can stay relevant each night.

Under pressure –

Catherine J. Martinez