The Flames were coming off a season-high six goals against the Kings in a win Monday, and had notched three two nights earlier against Winnipeg.
Of course, while they significantly outshot the Lightning they didn't get the quality looks they were hoping for as, according to Naturalstattrick.com, the high-danger chances were 14-4 in favour of Tampa Bay. Sometimes that happens.
Calgary head coach Darryl Sutter has preached shot volume since taking over behind the Calgary bench for his second tour as the Flames head coach. Most nights, his team not only outshoots the competition but, more importantly, outchances them.
Because not all shots are created equal and they are striving for both quantity and quality.
The Flames come into today's matinee tilt with the Panthers fourth in shots-per-game with 36.3 (worth noting Florida is tops at 40.6). The key for Calgary is to keep pouring pucks on net but try and make some of them more dangerous opportunities.
"I think so," agreed Kadri. "Maybe doing a little better job getting to the net. You know, there's a lot of good goalies in this league so it's tough to score if they can see it. So, you know, a few more bodies. But at the end of the day, I mean, if a goalie makes 40 saves, sometimes you just gotta tip your cap.
"I think anytime you you force a goaltender to make a save is something you want," he added. "So, of course, we got to bear down maybe a little bit and just finish off some opportunities. But, you know, eventually, I feel like when it comes, it really starts rolling."
There's no point getting frustrated, the key is to stay focused.
"I think at this point, you just got to stay with it," said Kadri. "You got to stay with the process and understand that those kind of things are gonna happen. You know, for the most part, I think, more often times than not we've we've liked our games and haven't quite come up with the results we wanted. You know, hockey's a funny sport, sometimes it can turn that way. But you know, sometimes it can flip and you get hot so we definitely still believe in ourselves and it's just a matter of time."
So far it has been impressive with how the Flames are continually outshooting opponents - that's not easy in today's NHL.
"I mean, it's tough to score goals, you know, tough to get shots, let alone score goals. I think, you know, sometimes it feels like there's six goaltenders out there, you got guys lying down trying to block every shot they see and defenceman do a great job, and forwards and trying to block shots," said Kadri. "So it's hard to get the puck to the net. And obviously, that's the most dangerous area of the ice and guys are doing everything they can to prevent that."
That said, he was quick to point out that while shelling the net is great, remaining committed to their end and playing smart is paramount, The focus right now, he added, includes their own end.
"Well, I think more so on the defensive side," said Kadri. "Making sure we don't give up any odd-man rushes. And I think a couple times we've maybe left Marky out to dry a little bit and he's doing everything he can and try to battle back there for us.
"So, you know, it's been a little sloppy as of late, but, you know, certainly something we can clean up and get better at."
