Calgary Flames Archives

On March 16, 2023

Recap: The Golden Knights returned home for their first home game since March 5th. The opening 20 got off to a slow pace but warmed up towards the end of the period. The Flames got on the scoreboard first and held a 1-0 advantage going into the 1st intermission.

Calgary doubled their lead 3:39 into the middle frame. Nine minutes later Zach Whitecloud cut the Flames lead in half to 2-1. Moments later Reilly Smith evened the score with his 23rd goal of the season. Later in the period Calgary regained their lead to 3-2.

Vegas forward Brett Howden committed a costly penalty 7:33 into the final period and the Flames capitalized on the opportunity. Calgary went on to record three more in the final frame to finish off Vegas 7-2.

The Golden Knights’ record drops to 42-21-6 losing to the Flames 7-2. Vegas will have an extra day off and will next face the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday afternoon. Puck drop against the Blue Jackets is set for 1 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: It took VGK quite a while to get the offense going in this game. They were doing well enough defensively for the first portion of the game but they just didn’t generate much. They did well to use a quick flurry to storm back in, but like many games on the road trip they weren’t the better team for most of the night. Without the early lead, they couldn’t manage to find a way to make it work in this one. (Analysis by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Calgary Flames at T-Mobile Arena.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 4 CALGARY FLAMES 3 (35-18-5, 75 PTS) – OT

On February 23, 2023

Recap: The Golden Knights hosted the Calgary Flames in an important Pacific Division battle. Vegas committed two early penalties which Calgary took advantage of. The Flames opened the scoring on the power play, carrying a 1-0 edge into the 1st intermission.

Calgary didn’t waste time to double their lead in the middle frame. The Flames took a 2-0 advantage 1:24 into the 2nd period. The Golden Knights got within one after Jack Eichel scored his second power play goal of the season. A couple of minutes later, the Flames regained their two-goal advantage. After 40 minutes VGK trailed 3-1.

Vegas came storming back in the final period. They scored twice, held Calgary to one shot in the period and tied the game 3-3 to force overtime. Alex Pietrangelo completed the comeback with his game-winning goal.

The Golden Knights’ record improves to 35-18-5 defeating the Flames 4-3 in overtime. Next up, Vegas will welcome back former coach Pete DeBoer and his Dallas Stars on Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights took quite a while to really catch up to the game and it forced them to overcome a two-goal deficit. However, at the end of the 2nd and into the 3rd they really stepped on the gas pedal. The skating improved, their win-rate on stick battles picked up, and they were more willing to get to the front of the goal. Playing against a tired Flames team, they took advantage of what was there and pulled off their ninth 3rd period comeback of the season. A huge W for the standings. (Analysis by Ken)

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Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Calgary Flames at T-Mobile Arena.

T-Mobile Arena Has Been A House Of Horrors For Calgary Flames

On February 23, 2023

In Stats

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

There are only two teams left in the NHL who have yet to win a game at T-Mobile Arena. The only team to have never even recorded a point, the Calgary Flames, are in Vegas tonight.

Calgary’s 0-7-0 record is the worst of any team at T-Mobile Arena, followed by the Florida Panthers and their 0-4-1 mark.

The Flames have been outscored in Vegas 30-8, have been shut out by the Golden Knights three times, and have allowed VGK to score six or more times in three of the seven contests.

Maybe the most incredible stat in the series history at T-Mobile Arena is the fact that in seven games, 420 minutes of hockey, the Flames have held the lead for exactly two minutes and nine seconds. That’s 0.5% of the total time they’ve been on the ice in Vegas.

The Golden Knights have allowed just one 1st period goal in the seven meetings while scoring six. The dominance is even starker in the 3rd period too, VGK have outscored Calgary 13-2 while allowing both goals in the same game, the last time the Flames visited.

The Flames’ power play has converted on just 1 of 15 power play opportunities while the Golden Knights have scored on 5 of 20.

Tonight will mark the second time the Flames have come to T-Mobile on the second night of a back-to-back. The first time, Vegas stomped them to the tune of a 6-0 beatdown including four 3rd period goals. The Flames were also coming from Arizona on that occasion, but unlike last night where they won 6-3, they lost the prior game 3-0 to the Coyotes.

William Karlsson leads the Golden Knights with 10 points (6G, 4A) in the seven home games against the Flames. Karlsson posted a hat trick in March 2018 against the Flames and added a two-goal game in November 2019.

Aside from those two games, no other Golden Knight has scored multiple goals in the same game against the Flames. 18 different Golden Knights have scored at least one home goal against Calgary, but just four will be active tonight. There are 13 Golden Knights who have averaged at least a point per game including five who have participated in at last four games. Karlsson and Smith are the only two who will play tonight.

Marc-Andre Fleury has been in the goal for the Golden Knights in six of the seven contests. Robin Lehner manned the nets for Vegas in the other game. On the other side, David Rittich was on the losing end of four of the seven while Mike Smith, Cam Talbot, and tonight’s expected starter, Jakob Markstrom, each played one.

No matter how you slice it, the Golden Knights have played lights out against the Flames at T-Mobile Arena. Many of the names on each side are different now, but enough still remains that the trend holds weight.

Can the Golden Knights make it eight straight? We’ll find out tonight at 6 on ESPN.

^^This is my way of telling you the game is at a different time and on a different channel tonight.^^

Teams With Opposite Starts To The Season Crash Tonight In Vancouver

On November 21, 2022

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Saturday’s game in Edmonton didn’t end like the Golden Knights had planned. In reality, when superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl score in the same game, picking up a point isn’t half bad. With a win tonight in Vancouver, Vegas will have a chance to return home with three of a possible four divisional points. Not bad for a two game set against Pacific teams scratching and clawing for wins.

At least a point on the road in Edmonton is good. But VGK should have won this game in regulation. Could've used one on the PP.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 20, 2022

Okay, it’s not a five game, eleven day road trip to the East Coast but traveling to Western Canada can be a challenge. Rewind back to last season when the Golden Knights were chasing instead of leading the division. Edmonton and Vancouver pitched in by spoiling Vegas’ 2021-22 playoff dreams. In three crucial games in mid-April, Vegas left Western Canada with on win.

This season the tables have turned. At the moment, Vegas has a 96% chance to qualify for the playoffs, Vancouver has a bleak 21% chance. There’s no sugar-coating it, the Canucks have had a nightmare start to the season. Just picture the complete opposite of the Golden Knights first 19 games. Not only does losing suck but each Vancouver loss is followed with unpleasant questions about coach dismissals, player fire sales and underachieving personnel. From this point going forward Vancouver will have to outperform the entire division for a sniff of a playoff run.

We know who are next opponents are. You keep the shots to the outside. Most of them won’t go in.-Bruce Boudreau, Canucks coach

For the Golden Knights, it’s another opportunity to separate themselves from another club in the Pacific. So far, the Golden Knights have earned at least one point in five of six divisional matchups. If they pick up any more tonight, Vegas will have points against each Pacific team with the exception of Calgary. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait until late February for a second battle with the Flames.

CALGARY FLAMES 3 VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 2 (3-1-0 6 PTS)

On October 18, 2022

Recap: The Golden Knights looked to stay undefeated as they traveled to Alberta for a battle with the Calgary Flames. William Carrier gave the road team a quick 1-0 lead scoring his first goal of the season. Later in the period, Brett Howden doubled VGK’s lead 2-0.

The middle frame was plagued with Golden Knights penalties. The Flames were awarded six power plays in the period and evened the score 2-2 with two PP goals.

Calgary broke the tie late in the 3rd period for their first lead of the game. Vegas had a few chances on net but couldn’t score the equalizer.

The Golden Knights drop their first game of the season losing 3-2 in Calgary. Vegas play their next three at home beginning with the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night. Puck drop is set for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: The Golden Knights got a great goaltending performance, they were gifted a goal by a Markstrom whiffed glove save, and they had multi-goal lead. They were not able to make any of that stand up because they simply were outplayed for the majority of the game. It was the first real test of the season, and they did not pass. But, there were some positives in that game including a great goal by Brett Howden working to get a stick on a shot from the point. (Recap by Ken)

VGK Set To Advance Next Postseason Against Weak Pacific

On May 12, 2022

In Team Ops

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Throughout team history, Vegas averages 102 points over an 82 game season. This season, 102 points would’ve earned Vegas a third place finish in the Pacific Division and a seven game series against Edmonton. There’s a strong case that a healthy Golden Knights roster would’ve given the Oilers a run for their money.

There are no excuses and we need to have a good start and go from there, but this is part of playoff hockey and you’re going to go through adversity. There are no easy games and no easy series, so we’re going to be prepared to go .-Ryan Nugent Hopkins, EDM forward

So far, only the Central Division has had a team eliminated. In a few days, it’s possible two of three Pacific Division teams are sent home packing as well. Sure, Calgary is up a game but Dallas hasn’t been an easy opponent. In the other western series, the Oilers have fallen right into the trap of the underdog Kings. It’s premature but none of the three Pacific teams are looking like favorites to win the Stanley Cup.

Let’s say the Golden Knights are healthy enough next season to make the playoffs. If they top off at 102 points they would likely be the second or third team coming out of the Pacific. In that case, Vegas would be guaranteed to face off against a divisional rival. Chances are the familiar faces will be in play in 2022-23. Which statistically favors the Golden Knights.

It’s not just about scoring. There’s a lot more to the game than that.-Daryl Sutter, CGY coach

Since 2017-18, Vegas has a total of 464 points. The Golden Knights have earned more than a third from inside their division. Excluding the now Central Division Coyotes, the Golden Knights have tallied 176 Pacific Division points in 119 games. That’s a hearty .676 winning % against the teams Vegas faces most and in the opening rounds of the playoffs.

Golden Knights fans have now watched how predictable the Pacific division has been for half a decade. LA in and Vegas out was the only real surprise over that period. The landscape will likely stay the same next season.

When the oddsmakers set the lines for next season’s divisional leaders the Golden Knights are likely to be the favorite. Other teams have areas to address as well. Calgary will have to make some big decisions, so will Edmonton, San Jose and Vancouver. LA’s quick climb to the postseason will be interesting if it keeps up, especially if a healthy Vegas team is rolling. In year six no matter what changes have been made the Golden Knights will have a chance to fight for the division and form a path to another conference final. It’s that easy, depending on offseason changes.

Playoffs A Reminder Health Isn’t Only Factor For Success

On May 9, 2022

In Stats

(Photo Credit: SinBin.vegas Photographer Brandon Andreasen)

Watching the Stanley Cup playoffs certainly has a different feel without the Golden Knights as participants. As we’ve been over many, many times since their season finale, injuries played a significant role in why the team is on the outside looking in. Halfway through the first round, it’s clear Vegas needed more than just their health to advance.

Western Conference Playoff Summary

14-0 Team Scoring First
8-6 Home Team
4.25 Winning Team Average Goals
3.22 Average Goal Differential Per Game
1.8 Power Play Goals Per Win
10-4 When Scoring PPG

Down the stretch, the Golden Knights had trouble picking up the first goal of game, received very little output from their power play, and lacked the ability to climb back and win from behind. On most nights in the playoffs, those elements would be a recipe for disaster. Not surprising, early consistent scoring is paying off in the postseason. So far, there have been 14 games played in the Western Conference, the team that scored the opening goal went on to win to all of them.

Naturally, lower-scoring teams focus on winning defensive battles helping them survive in a long series. Last night the LA Kings defeated the Edmonton Oilers 4-0 and evened the series by playing their signature suffocating style. The Oilers are +7 in goal differential but are in no better shape than the Kings.

The sixth highest-scoring team in the NHL’s regular season has only mustered up three goals in three games. The Calgary Flames averaged 3.55 goals per game in the first 82 but have been held to 2 goals or less in the last three. Yet, the 2.84 goals per game Dallas Stars hold a 2-1 series lead.

Western Conference Goals Scored Per Game

Colorado 5.33 (1 ENG)
Edmonton 4.25
Minnesota 3.25 (2 ENG)
St. Louis 3.00 (1 ENG)
Dallas 2.00 (2 ENG)
Nashville 2.00
LA 2.50 (1 ENG)
Calgary 1.0

Subtract empty netters, and the averages decrease for several Western Conference contenders. Making most games much tighter than the averages show. No matter who Vegas faced off against their periodic offensive struggles could’ve haunted them in the first round.

Turn back the clock to Vegas’ run to the semifinals last year. In six games against the Montreal Canadiens, the Golden Knights averaged 2.18 goals per game, scored the opening goal twice, and were blanked on the man-advantage.

Without a doubt, the Golden Knights’ front office is tuning in nightly like all of us. We’ve heard dozens of times the NHL is a copycat league, it’s possible VGK execs are picking up plays for their grease board. Why not take a few notes on Colorado’s lethal PP, or some offensive strategies from Edmonton, Minnesota, or St. Louis. Maybe, it’s best to watch Dallas and LA’s suffocating, everything to the outside type of defense. It may be the difference between making semis or the finals.

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS 6 CALGARY FLAMES 1 (41-29-5 87 PTS)

On April 14, 2022

Recap: Vegas trailed in Calgary after giving up a power play goal midway through the 1st period. Minutes later Jonathan Marchessault set up Jack Eichel for the game-tying goal. The game was locked 1-1 after the opening twenty minutes.

The Golden Knights’ offense turned up in the middle frame. Vegas received goals from four different goal scorers to take a commanding 5-1 lead. Evgenii Dadonov, Michael Amadio, Jonathan Marchessault, and Nic Roy all cashed in.

William Karlsson added a sixth Golden Knights goal of the game. Logan Thompson was steady in net holding Calgary to only one goal.

The Golden Knights record improves to 41-29-5 defeating the Flames 6-1. Vegas picks up two enormous points and trail the LA Kings by one point. The Golden Knights finish their road trip in Edmonton on Saturday afternoon. Puck drop against the Oilers is set for 1 PM. (Recap by Jason)

Analysis: In one of the trickiest spots of the season, the Golden Knights unleashed their best game of the year. Despite conceding first, they completely dominated the Flames from start to finish. Vegas was excellent in the defensive zone, stymied everything Calgary wanted to do in the neutral zone, and were as creative as they’ve been in a while in the offensive zone. Plus, the bold decision to start Logan Thompson paid off in spades as he was brilliant in net too. (Recap by Ken)

Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Pacific North Teams Won’t Make It Easy On Visiting Knights