Morning Flames Roundup 

With the high note of a 2-1 overtime comeback still ringing in their ears, the Calgary Flames will enjoy a much-needed two-day break between their next game. A glorious respite after suiting up for an exhausting seven games in 11 nights.

A Thursday evening face off against the Dallas Stars. Here are a few morning notes and stats that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else than Calgary Hockey Now.

Ugly Habits

Monday night marked the tenth time in the last 13 games (since Nov 1) that the Calgary Flames trailed by one goal or more heading into the third period. Calgary is miraculously 4-4-2 on those occasions. When they start the final 20 tied or with a lead? 3-0-0.

Dr. Vladar’s Clinic

It wasn’t too challenging to elect a First Star of the Game on Monday night. 26 year old Daniel Vladar stopped not only all but one of Vegas’ shots on net, he also prevented several players from finding their way into the back his net.  Both William Carrier and MacKenzie Weegar crashed into the Czech netminder at various points in the game.

Vladar saved 27 of 28 for a .964 save percentage.

House Money

AJ Greer tied the game 1-1 with a blast past Adin Hill off on early third period three-on three rush. The October waiver pickup off has four goals in 21 games this season. That may not seem like much, but his current totals project him to be on pace for 15 goals and 15 assists in 81 games. Considerable production for a fourth line role player.

Ruzicka Questionable

It’s possible that Slovak forward Adam Ruzicka is nursing something. The 6’4” pivot played only 6:54 of ice time against the Golden Knights. His last shift ended 3:21 into the third period. Other notable third period leash-tightenings included Connor Zary and Martin Pospisil, who each only saw two shifts in the final stanza.

A Unique Set of Skills

Veteran Center Nazem Kadri had a strong performance on Monday. An assist, +1, six shots, and two penalties drawn. The 33 year old currently leads the Flames in the latter category by a vast margin.

The former London Knight has drawn 14 calls in 21 games this season. The next closest on the Calgary roster is Blake Coleman with seven followed by a three-way tie for third between Andrew Mangiapane, Martin Pospisil, and Mikael Backlund at five.

The Tkachuk brothers atop in the league in that category. Matthew has 17 and Brady has 16. Tied with Brady Tkachuk is former Flame Garnett Hathaway. Kadri sits in fourth place league wide.