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Tonight the Calgary Flames will head to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets. The Flames are sitting one point behind of the Blue Jackets in the standings but they have also played 3 games less, so tonight’s game will be a battle for the Flames to move up in the standings. .
The Blue Jackets have struggled to score this season only averaging 1.9 goals a game which may not be a factor in tonight`s game as inexperienced Leland Irving gets his first start of the year for Calgary. As reported yesterday, Kiprusoff is listed day to day with an injured MCL in his knee, though he has said it’s a short term injury. As such, the Flames have signed Danny Taylor from the Abbotsford Heat to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000 and Taylor will wear number 41 as he backs up Irving.
Taylor was second in the AHL this season with a .177 goals-against average and fourth overall with a .930 save percentage. He is expected to join the Flames tonight. If Kipursoff is right and ready to come back soon, the Flames should continue to play the hot hand, regardless of who it is as they need to develop a back up goalie. Providing either Irving or Taylor some legitimate playing time will be wise for the future of the Flames as to date, neither goalie has been given a chance with Kiprusoff`s ability to play almost an entire season.
Blue Jackets center Dubinsky will be in tonight's line up after avoiding suspension for
boarding La King’s defenseman Scuderi. Rather than serving a suspension, Dubinsky was fined the league maximum of $10000. He has yet to record a goal since being traded for Nash and after his ejection in the last game; Dubinsky will be keen on scoring.
The Flames are coming off a strong win in Detroit and their defensive Achilles heel from earlier this season appears to have really improved. Now, I am not convinced that the Calgary Flames have been receiving better defensive "play" from their players, rather it seems to me that the Flames are finally buying into a strong defensive system instilled by their new coach.
The Flames have found the ability to keep their opponents to the corners, but most importantly, keep opposing shots way down. The Flames have still shown a few defensive struggles over the past few games, but if they are able to keep this strong defensive system going, they may find more success than previously displayed.
With that being said, the Flames have found the back of the net and have been able to throw many pucks on net. In addition to the above mentioned defensive system, this high intensity and fast paced offense could cause problems for the struggling Blue Jackets. With their newly acquired AHL goalies in net, the Flames will need to image the same style of play against Columbus, as they displayed in Detroit.
To win tonight their defense will have to be top notch once again. A glass half full approach to tonight`s game would be that of all opponents to face with an inexperienced goalie, Columbus is probably the #1 pick. The Blue Jackets only have 1 player with more than 5 points this season...let`s keep it that way.
As previously mentioned, the Flames are the least penalized team in the league, and keeping this stat low will be important tonight. Missing Kipursoff on short notice is already a disadvantage so keeping out of the box is key to leveling the playing field. Columbus averages 19.1 penalty minutes which is 2nd highest in the league and Calgary power play has improved putting them at 5th overall. The specialty teams alone could be the successor for the Flames, as they were able to capitalize on 2/5 power play chances against Detroit just the other night.
Tonight will be a big opportunity for Irving to make his presence be known. Calgary has placed all their confidence in one goaltender so far, and his might have this golden opportunity to instill some confidence of his own into this club. The duo of Irving and Taylor just so happens to be the tandem used by the Abbotsford Heat in their recent playoff push, which was quite effective. Depending how long Kiprusoff is out for, which I don’t anticipate more than a few games, both goalies could have a second chance to fight for a more prominent with for the Flames.
The lines for tonight are expected to be the same as we’ve seen over the last couple of games, however it appears the Cammalleri might sit out as the team has stated he’s “banged up”...what ever that may mean.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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