Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets, 12:30 PM MT, Rogers Place, Edmonton AB

TV: NHLN, NHLTV, SN - Radio: Sportsnet 960

Series: Calgary Flames (1) - Winnipeg Jets (0)

The Flames came out and took it to Winnipeg in Game 1 with a little bit of everything in their arsenal. They got scoring from their top players in Johnny Gaudreau and Mikael Backlund. Andrew Mangiapane had a two point night with a goal and an assist. Sean Monahan and Elias Lindholm each had helpers. Tobias Rieder potted a short handed goal. Milan Lucic had an assist on Mangiapane’s PPG. And surprise of all surprised, Cam Talbot got the start and with a VERY light work load, stopped 17 of Winnipeg’s 18 shots to get the win in Game 1.

That folks, is how you win in the playoffs. The list of contributors above should be making you and the Flames brass very happy. What also should make everyone happy is Calgary’s two PPG in the second period. We mentioned in our preview that the Flames could be able to take advantage of a Jet’s PK that wasn’t all that hot and Calgary did, going 2-4 and going 7-7 on the PK. Just like you draw it up.

Now, going 7-7 on the PK is fantastic, but the Flames need to cut back on the penalties if they plan on taking a 2-0 series lead Monday afternoon. What they also need to do is pour on the shots early and often like they did Saturday night. After two periods the Flames had 27 shots compared to Winnipeg’s 13, they also scored three times. It doesn’t take a Master’s Degree to know that the more you shoot, the more likely you are to score. The key will be to try and rattle Connor Hellebuyck early and force the pace of play. Hellebuyck has only lost back to back games four times in 2019-20 and he’s allowed four or more goals in all four games that have started those losing streaks. In the second game he hasn’t fared much better, only giving up under three goals one time. So he can be had and if the Flames can pounce early, they could grab a commanding lead in this best of five series.

Another thing that could go Calgary’s way is Winnipeg could be without both Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine. Both players were injured during Game 1 and under different circumstances. Laine left with an apparent upper body injury, but Scheifele left after a controversial play along the boards involving Matthew Tkachuk. The NHL has apparently reviewed the play and Tkachuk will receive no hearing or apparent discipline. The Flames are healthy and that should be a huge advantage if Winnipeg is down two of it’s best players.

The puck will drop at 12:30 PM MT at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Winnipeg Jets Coverage: Arctic Ice Hockey

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 4 - Winnipeg Jets 1