In Calgary, the Flames’ Jacob Markstrom pitched his third shutout in four games, this time, 4-0, against the Philadelphia Flyers. 
It will be interesting to see what happened when the Flames are no longer playing the Metropolitan Division.
Markstrom made 20 saves in the Flames win.
“We haven’t done much yet,” Markstrom said. “It’s a lot of games left. Come springtime, we need to be our best team and play our best hockey. It’s a good start. We put ourselves in a good position so far, but I don’t think no one is happy and everybody that was here last year remembers the sour taste of that season. It was no fun at all, especially not winning hockey games. I think everybody is hungry and wants to play good.”
Not much, just incinerate the Metro Division.
Sean Monahan scored in the second period to give the Flames a 1-0 lead after a scoreless opening frame.
“He’s playing really well,” Monahan said. “He’s a huge part of our team. He had another great game tonight. We’ve got to keep it rolling. Our PK has been good. Guys are stepping up blocking shots. We’re trying to limit quality chances, and when there’s a quality chance ‘Marky’ is standing on his head.”
The Flyers were on a successful road trip until Saturday night.
“I’m not going to take any credit away from them. They’re obviously a good hockey team and they’re playing well right now, but in the same breath we’re playing pretty good as well,” Philadelphia’s Travis Konecny said. “Tonight, we just didn’t come out and execute the game plan. We were making mistakes. I’m not calling out anybody. I’m starting with myself. It just wasn’t a clean game.”
Matthew Tkachuk picked up a power play marker in the third period for a 2-0 lead to Calgary.
The Flames took a 3-0 lead on an empty-net goal from Mikael Backlund at 16:11.
“I think our group is hungry,” Monahan said. “The coaches have us in a good mindset where you want to start games the right way. … We’re starting to learn to play with leads. That’s crucial at important times of the season.”
Johnny Gaudreau finished the scoring with 1:59 left on the clock for the 4-0 final.
Carter Hart made 32 saves in the Flyers loss.
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