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**Update:
Sven Baertschi is week to week with an injury (hip flexor)
Sounds like Colorado will start Giguere tonight for his first game of the year
Cervenka missed optional morning skate...no word on reason, however Hartley confirmed he will play
The Calgary Flames will faceoff tonight against the Colorado Avalanche after a long schedule break. While most fans were upset about the extending break the Flames were given, I for one feel as though the extra time off between games allows a team like the Flames to work out their systemic woes before having to jump right back into the action. Although four days is still no training camp or exhibition period, it should have still provided Calgary with a much needed period of reflection over their defensive struggles and allow Hartley to continue to experiment with his systems.
Colorado enters tonight’s contest ahead of the Flames by only one point and have struggled with only 2 wins of five games played. The Flames, despite having an extended break, will look to carry momentum from their previous win into tonight’s game and hopefully work their way up the standings.
A notable difference between these two clubs so far this year is that although Colorado has allowed more shots on net and scores less than Calgary, The Flames have allowed the 2nd most goals against with 3.8 per game. Otherwise, in terms of stats, the teams are pretty even, having similar face off win percentages and penalty kill. With that in mind, Calgary has a great opportunity to extend themselves to a 2 game wining streak over a struggling Avalanche team who are likely a little tired from last night’s loss.
In comparative measures, both teams have recently played against Edmonton which Colorado lost 1-4, where as Calgary were able to squeeze by with a 4-3 victory. If the games played by the Avalanche dictate anything so far, it’s that they have been unable to depend on their defense and goaltending to win games. Their great goaltending and defensive depth will be, however, a good test for the offense in Calgary.
Hitherto the Flames have proved their ability to score and create opportunities, but a team with tough defense will be a challenge. The key for the Flames will be to remain level headed if they struggle to produce early on and to keep offensive pressure. The good news for Calgary is that they’ve had a lot of success with long passes to create breakaway opportunities and against a team with stronger defense, moving the puck up quickly past the defense should be effective.
Just as previous games forecasted, a focus on possession and creating constant pressure and opportunities offensively should bring about success. The defensive lines don’t need to pull any tricks out of a hat to shut down the Avalanche; they just need to remain consistent and strong. Colorado’s offense, in spite of having a few offensive juggernauts, has yet to impress as Duchene is currently ranked 80th in the league overall with 5 points and Statsny has yet to score a goal. While there is a parallel here with Jarome Iginla, the Flames have been able to find scoring from their other two lines and one would only imagine with the amount of shots taken by the captain that he’s bound to score very soon.
The Avalanche are coming off a loss against Vancouver last night and have consequently extended their loss streak to 3 games. It seems like the Avs are still struggling to put the puck in the net and despite a steady defensive line and goaltender, the first shot Vancouver took last night resulted in a goal. Additionally, Colorado have struggling on their power play which was evident when they failed to score on a 1:25 two-man advantage against the Canucks.
If the Flames can mimic their opening period against the Sharks, continue their fast paced game and constant pressure in Colorado’s end, they should be able to extend their winning streak…because after all, the best defense is to stay in the opposing end!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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