The Calgary Flames will have their home opener against the Vancouver Canucks later tonight as the two rival teams meet up for the first time this year.
Coming off a strong win against the Edmonton Oilers, the Canucks will look to extend their wins against their 2nd Albertan foes in the Flames. The team’s records against each other are rather heavily in favor of the Canucks who hold a 13-3-2 record against the Flames in the past three seasons.
Although previous seasons shouldn’t be held as a benchmark for how things will go between these two clubs carrying forward, it certainly doesn’t appear that the Canucks have lost their ability to score given their matchups so far. That said, the Flames appear to be coming out of the gates with a little more intensity and work ethic than previous teams have displayed. Slatted to be a defensively minded team, the Flames themselves have had no problems finding the back of the net and will need to focus on trying to shut down the Canucks biggest offensive threats in the Sedin’s if they are going to compete tonight.
The first two games played by the Flames so far have given us a slight glimpse of things to expect this year; hard working group of guys who can score, but perhaps struggle defensively. I have often mentioned that this team will employ strong defensive systems with a guy like Hartley, but it will take time and with a young and inexperienced group such as the Flames, expect many mistakes to be made while they try and adapt to new systems.
Tonight’s game will be without the likes of Matt Stajan who is out with a leg contusion, Mike Cammalleri who is still out with an injured hand, and Chris Breen who suffered a shoulder injury. The fans will get their 2nd chance to see Joe Colborne step in for Stajan and despite having a somewhat shaky start with the Flames, feels ready to go.
"I'm just looking forward to playing hockey. The last game was pretty nerve-racking and I didn't feel like I played my game. I'm glad to just get back and start playing hockey again."
The Flames so far this season have earned three points out of a possible four and have surprised a few with the way they are coming out of the gates. Colborne appears to be given the chance to play first line with Glencross and David Jones tonight, while Joey MacDonald will be given the start.
Sean Monahan continues to be assessed by just about every fan out there as his strong play does nothing but make it more challenging on the coaching staff who many analysts(including myself) feel will send the young rookie back down the juniors.
Below are the expected lines for tonight’s game from both sides. If last night’s game of Vancouver vs Edmonton was any indication of how tonight’s game will turn out, it should be a good game to watch!
Flames
Glencross - Colborne - Jones
Galiardi - Backlund - Hudler
Baertschi - Monahan - Stempniak
Bouma - Street - McGrattan
Giordano - Brodie
Russell - Wideman
O'Brien - Butler
MacDonald
Canucks
D. Sedin – H. Sedin – Hansen
Booth – Kesler – Higgins
Richardson – Santorelli –Weise
Sestito – Dalpe – Weber
Hamhuis – Bieksa
Edler – Garrison
Stanton –Tanev
Lack
For those who missed the “rumors” circulating on twitter of late, it appears that the Flames third jersey may have leaked and, well, many fans aren’t too impressed with what they are seeing. Below are images which are believed to be the new alternate jersey for Calgary which the team is expected to unveil. What are your thoughts?
That’s all for today folks, thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»