Overview
- Calgary's power play has flipped from one of last season's weakest units to a top-performing group this year, and that turnaround has been a primary factor in the team's recent wins.
- The man advantage has gone 6-for-12 over the past four games and was a perfect 2-for-2 in the Flames' 4-1 win over Detroit, contributions that have accompanied a three-game win streak and a 4-6-0 record.
- Coaching and personnel changes are credited for the spike: assistant coach Dave Lowry now runs the power play, and offseason additions and younger skaters have given Calgary more puck movement and adaptable positioning.
- Execution details matter — Morgan Frost's key faceoff wins set up both Detroit power-play goals, and players say the 'five-man rover' approach has opened space and quick passing that lead to fast strikes.
- The improvement comes with caveats because the season sample is small and the Flames have drawn relatively few penalties, so upcoming games against Toronto and Edmonton will be an early test of whether the gains hold.