The now 5-4-0 Calgary Flames will attempt to steer themselves out of a losing streak that has reached three games tonight against the 8-3-0 New Jersey Devils. Most concerning is the lack of enthusiasm shown from several core members of the team.
The Devils, on the other hand, are making a statement early in the 2022-23 regular season that they aren’t to be taken lightly. That sentiment was underlined on Thursday night when they turned a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 lead by scoring two goals within seven seconds of each other. Tonight the Flames will have their foot speed tested by one of the fastest teams in the league that have won five straight games.
Projected lineup courtesy of Pat Steinberg. @Fan960Steinberg
Huberdeau-Lindholm-Toffoli Dube-Kadri-Mangiapane Coleman-Backlund-Lewis Lucic-Rooney-Ritchie Hanifin-Andersson Zadorov-Weegar Mackey-Stone
Markstrom Vladar
Returning to What Works It took one third period collapse against The Oilers to have head coach Darryl Sutter shake up the lines. Two weak performances later; the lines are back to what the team ran with to achieve a 5-1-0 start.
Settling Things Down Not only have the Devils won five in a row — they’ve done so in dominant fashion. 23 goals for in their last five. Only seven goals against in that time. Tonight presents a great opportunity for the Flames to get their game turned around, but it certainly won’t be easy.
A Glimmer of Hope The Devils’ triumphant comeback against the Oilers may actually work in favour of the Flames. A win of that fashion certainly warrants a celebration. Particularly with such a young core. There is a chance we see a New Jersey team in need of an extra Advil or two come game time.
Puck drop is at around 8:10pm mst. Broadcast is on Sportsnet One, CityTV, and MSGSN.
Trevor Neufeld
@Trevor_Neufeld
Stats via nhl.com and naturalstattrick.com.