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The Calgary Flames will face off against the Detroit Red Wings tonight which will be game one of their three road games to come. As I am sure most have not forgotten, the Flames are coming off a devastating loss to the Chicago Blackhawks who were able to score with a few seconds left in the 3rd period, and take the win in a shootout.
Once again, the Flames are coming off a close game where their defensive game let them down. Conversely, the Red Wings will also enter tonight’s game off a 4-2 loss to the Blue Jackets. Right now injuries are rampant in Detroit and they haven’t quite been living up to their dominating reputation but they are still a threat nonetheless, especially to the last place Flames. Zetterberg and Datsyuk are both top 20 for points and are sure to test Calgary’s defense often.
Since the start of this season, the Flames have allowed 1 full extra goal per game than the Red Wings and given that they're sitting in last place, their stats frankly don’t match up well. If Calgary is looking to find weaknesses in Detroit’s game, it will be on the powerplay as the Wings allow the 3rd most power plays goals in the league. With that being said, Calgary’s fast paced game and low percentage of penalties taken should play to their advantage.
The Flames offence have answered a lot of questions thus far this season as far as I am concerned. They have managed to put the puck on net quite frequently although their chances are not always there. While their shots are high, they will need to start driving the net more often in order to increase their chances for goals scored.
A high number of shots on net are good, but not being around for second chances leads to many missed opportunities. The Flames have done well on their own respective powerplays so far, and if they are able to find ways to entice the Wings to take penalties they may provide themselves with an opportunity to secure a lead.
I’m sure most of you are just about sick of reading about the Flames defensive game, but quite honestly it’s by and large the biggest reason for their inability to win games.
Notwithstanding Kiprusoff’s struggles, their defense needs to continue to work on their game as I have noticed an apparent improvement in focus in their own end. Though there’s been improvement, both the Calgary Flames tending and defensive zone coverage is still subpar and until it improves they will find it very difficult to win games.
Tonight happens to be Lee Stempniak’s 30th birthday, and I think it’s fair to say that he should score 2-3 goals tonight with that extra “je ne sais quoi” that comes with birthdays. These three games on the road will be important for Iginla to get his game going and net a few goals to help out his team.
““To be honest, I’ve had great chances,” said Iginla. “I haven’t felt bad in games. I thought I had great chances and could have had a bunch. It’s more magnified when it’s at the beginning of the year and we’re not winning.
“You want to get going as far as you feel good when you do get that first one. When you break a tough streak, they seem to roll. We’ve got to stay positive and keep thinking that the next one’s going to go in.”- National Post
If Jarome and Miikka are able to bring the type of game that we are used to seeing from the two, the team might be able to walk away with 4-6 points on the road. Calgary is the only team in the NHL currently who has not played a backup tender and they are hoping that Kiprusoff finds his groove soon.
Flames coach Bob Hartley has not been entirely upset with his team’s progress so far either. He understood what his challenge was coming into this organization and knew that a shortened season would present more challenges than would a regular season + training camp.
“We’re right there and I feel that we’re showing progress,” Hartley said. “It’s going to be a good building block for us, but at the same time, we need to cash in on our chances and rack up some wins.” - National Post
Here are tonight’s expected line-ups from both sides:
Calgary
Cammalleri – Tanguay – Iginla
Glencross – Backlund – Stempniak
Hudler – Stajan – Cervenka
Begin – Jones – Comeau
Giordano – Bouwmeester
Wideman – Brodie
Smith – Butler
Kiprusoff
Detroit
Tatar – Datsyuk - Filppula
Franzen - Zetterberg- Brunner
Cleary – Abdelakder - Bertuzzi
Miller – Emmerton - Tootoo
Kronwall- Ericsson
Quincey - White
Lashoff - Huskins
Howard
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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