Don’t look now, but the scorching-hot Calgary Flames, after beating the New York Islanders 5-2, have won five on the bounce in enemy environs. A plethora of factors have contributed to their recent road success, but three primary reasons stick out, like Andrei Kuzmenko‘s larger-than-life personality. Nobody reading this will be surprised to see Jacob Markstrom’s name topping the list. The Flames’ ace has enjoyed arguably his best stint of the season in the last handful of road contests.
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His indomitable presence between the pipes has galvanized the collective, raising each player’s level. Kevin Rooney’s return has also injected a surge of energy, while Kuzmenko’s first few games have been awe-inspiring. Both players have been influential, but the power play and the team’s sizzling starts deserve accentuated acclaim.
1. Calgary Flames’ Sizzling Starts
The Flames have scored first in four of the last five away games, allowing Ryan Huska’s men to play free and on the front foot. The 5-3 victory in New Jersey on Feb. 8 was the only time Calgary conceded first. The Devils’ lead lasted just three minutes and 10 seconds, thanks to Mikael Backlund‘s 11th of the season. The captain’s timely goal was the first of three in a row, giving Calgary the buffer required to secure the win.
Backlund was up to his old tricks in Arizona on Jan. 11, the first game in the collection of Calgary’s five triumphs. He scored 20 seconds into that contest, setting the stage for three goals in the opening 7:56 and a four-goal first period. A two-goal first in Las Vegas was matched in Boston, while one first-period marker provided the advantage against the Islanders.
The Flames, who have scored first in 15 of 28 games on the road, are accustomed to starting quickly in hostile rinks. Only three teams, Los Angeles (16), Vancouver (18), and Boston (19), have opened the scoring first on the road more. Calgary has the seventh-most wins when scoring first (10).
It’s uncertain where Calgary’s alert and snappy starts on the road come from. Maybe it’s the divine, sumptuous breakfasts offered at five-star hotels- not that I would know what those consist of. Perhaps it’s due to the boys being able to spend more quality time together. Regardless, the Flames can credit a series of sizzling starts to their road riches.
2. Flames’ Power Play Perking Up
The Flames’ joint-fifth-worst…
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