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Tonight the Calgary Flames are hoping to extend a two game win streak in Minnesota. Their last two wins were at home and tonight they will take to the road against the Wild who are coming off a loss and hold a home record of 6-2-1, compared to the Flames away record of 3-2-1.
This season Calgary has 134 points in 17 games whereas Minnesota has only 95 in as many games. If the Flames can translate their scoring surge into tonight’s game and play a respectable defensive game, they could walk away with another two points which would move them into 9th place in the Western Conference with one less game played.
Calgary has found success against Minnesota when Hartley mixed things up; Stajan shined between Tanguay and Iginla while Cervenka was a healthy scratch. Although it was an odd move, it paid off as the team overcame Minnesota 3-1 and as a result we could see Hartley through another curve ball in the line up tonight. With that being said, they had better not decide to scratch Cervenka again as it didn’t sit well with me as he is a hard worker and contributes to several of their goals.
Not to diminish Hudler’s effort, but most of his goals have been the result of Cervenka’s hard work because he can pass the puck. When he plays with Tanguay they play a pretty tic tac toe style of hockey, why sit someone who adds this dynamic to your line? I almost wonder if it was nothing more than a message to the players that Hartley isn’t afraid to sit anyone on the team, or perhaps Cervenka needed a maintenance day…who knows.
Since mixing up the lines seemed to throw off Minnesota, we may see some last minute line changes from Hartley. With that being said, there is likely only one certain spot for tonight’s roster as Joey MacDonald will be back between the pipes for Calgary. The anticipation for Kipursoffs return is mounting and he is expected soon but not tonight. He has been practicing with the team and appears to be taking precautions measures in that he doesn’t want to come back too early. MacDonald was good against Minnesota, stopping 30 of 31 shots, and should provide his team with the opportunity for a win.
Don’t think Minnesota won’t be trying to change things up themselves; after their loss in Calgary Saturday night, Wild’s coach Mike Yeo said it was time to try something different. That led to moving Danny Heatley back to the 2nd line and moving up rookie Granlund to their first. Minnesota will no doubt be desperate for a win tonight because Calgary sits just one point back in the standings.
Tonight’s game is huge for Calgary, not only could they pass Edmonton and Minnesota, but it will place them in contention for a playoff position. Most fans figured the Flames would have a tough time climbing out of the basement with their lackluster start to the season, however in their past 10 games played, the Flames have the 8th best record in their conference and are making their way up the standings.
Everyone will be looking to Iginla tonight to help carry his team and after a two goal game Sunday, fans are hoping he will start a scoring surge. There’s no better time than now, as a win tonight should hush many critics and put Calgary on a three game winning streak, their longest this season.
There was some trade action last night involving Calgary and Philadelphia, but don’t get too excited it was minor. The Flames exchanged Mitch Wahl for Mike Testwuide from the Flyers and assigned Testwuide to the Abbotsford Heat. The 25 year old, 6’3 210lb winger, went undrafted into the NHL and has yet to play an NHL game to date. He has record 70pts in 161 games played in the AHL, and will be a depth player for the Heat who have been doing well.
On a side note, when will MacDonald have his new mask? Although the Red Wings color choices don’t exactly clash with the Flames’, he will need to get something soon as he continues to play games for the Flames and potentially establish himself as a solid backup option carrying forward.
“You know what, it’s one of those things. It’s been at the painters getting painted since I got here,” he said. “It takes a week or so to get done. It’s only just been over a week. I should have it hopefully by the weekend. It takes two or three days to dry.
“Everyone is concerned — but whatever. I could put anything on and I’d wear it. But it’s coming.”
However, he wouldn’t give any early hints on the theme.
“Everyone is wanting me to get it. But everyone can wait,” MacDonald said with a grin.
Calgary Herald
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