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Calgary Flames’ 3M forward line could be NHL’s best

By Dave Stevenson

Feb 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with right wing Michael Frolik (67) and center Mikael Backlund (11) after scoring a goal in the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with right wing Michael Frolik (67) and center Mikael Backlund (11) after scoring a goal in the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matthew Tkachuck, Michael Frolik, and Mikael Backlund of the Calgary Flames are the NHL’s newest and perhaps best shutdown forward line.

The Calgary Flames got off to a very rough start to the 2016-17 NHL season. Head coach Glen Gulutzan had to find a permanent spot in the lineup for 2016 first round pick Matthew Tkachuk. The duo of Michael Frolik and Mikael Backlund, though promising as a shutdown line, lacked an ideal third member, preferably someone who could add some offense. Sam Bennett was good, but not great in this role back in 2015-16. On Oct. 25 against the St. Louis Blues, Gulutzan put Tkachuk with the duo. Since then, the trio, dubbed the 3M line, has been arguably the most efficient and fun forward line in the NHL.

Gulutzan has been quick to trust the forward line with a lot of minutes. The trio ranks fifth among all forward lines in time on ice at even strength. Flames captain Mark Giordano thinks quite highly of his team’s shutdown line.

“One of the top lines in the league, for sure, both ends,” Giordano said, via NHL.com. “But we’ve been saying that all year.”

The Calgary Flames captain isn’t just talking up his buddies either. This table shows their score, venue and zone adjusted defensive numbers at even strength, and where they rank among the 61 other trios with at least 200 minutes together. All data is courtesy of Corsica.

Only one trio sees a higher percentage of faceoffs in their own zone than the 3M line. Yet they dominate defensively. The Flames ask them to take a high number of defensive zone faceoffs. This is especially telling of Tkachuk, because rookie wings are rarely trusted so much by a coach. However, playing with the veteran duo of Backlund (27 years old) and Frolik (29 years old) has helped expedite his development. Tkachuk provides the line with a unique offensive upside. It’s easy to overlook him in the Calder Trophy discussion thanks to Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine and Zach Werenski. Each of them has been sheltered with offensive zone starts while Tkachuk has been holding his own against top competition.

Their defense is just one part of the story of how amazing the trio has been. They’ve been scoring as well. In fact, the 3M line outperforms many scoring lines, most of whom aren’t asked to be a shutdown line.

The 3M forward line isn’t deployed in favorable situations. And they still rank in the top 25th percentile in scoring. This shows how dangerous they can be. Few lines can turn a defensive zone faceoff into a scoring chance like the 3M line. Backlund leads the Flames in points while Tkachuk ranks fourth and Frolik ranks sixth.

Having a shutdown line like this has astronomical value in today’s NHL. Because Tkachuk, Frolik and Backlund take so many defensive zone faceoffs, this allows Gulutzan to deploy his other forward lines in more favorable situations. The biggest beneficiaries? Johnny Gaudreau, who ranks fifth among forwards in offensive zone start percentage, and Sean Monahan, who’s in the top 15.

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The Flames are competing for a playoff spot after a very rough start. If they make the playoffs, the 3M line will be a significant reason why.

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