The 21-13- 6 Calgary Flames are in Dallas tonight to face off against the 23-17-2 in what will include a matchup of two of the NHL’s more dominant lines.
With a goal differential of 43-14, the Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk line currently holds the title of the NHL’s Best Two-Way Line in the 40 games the line has played together.
The line of budding power forward Jason Robertson, force of nature Roope Hintz at center and veteran offensive dynamo Joe Pavelski. They have a goals per 60 of 4.43 and a goals against of 2.56 for a differential per 60 of 1.89. Nowhere near the 3.37 the Flames first line posts, but still good for 4th in the NHL among all forward lines.
The times are changing for the Dallas Stars. When one refers to their first line usually at least one of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin or Alexander Radulov come to mind. Those guys have all been quiet this year.
Tyler Seguin 6’1… 200lbs Age: 30 14G 8A 22pts
Jamie Benn 6’2… 210lbs Age: 32 10G 9A 19pts
Alexander Radulov 6’1… 200lbs Age: 35 2G 13A 15pts
Not great for a trio that powered the Stars to a Stanley Cup Final appearance just two years ago. A playoffs that featured the Stars defeating the Flames in six in the first round.
With that said, if the matchup between these two teams on November 4th this season is any indicator; times aren’t changing fast enough. The 4-3 OT victory for the stars featured a goal from both Benn and Seguin.
Gaudreau-Lindholm-Tkachuk Mangiapane-Backlund-Coleman Dube-Monahan-Ritchie Lucic-Ruzicka-Lewis
Hanifin-Andersson Kylington-Tanev Zadorov-Gudbranson
Markstrom Vladar
Valimaki Suspended Jusso Valimaki will serve game one if a three game suspension tonight. He was injured on January 9th by a dirty hit made by son of Darryl and former Flame, Brett Sutter. When the Heat and the Ontario Reign (Sutter’s team) played again on the 29th, Valimaki wanted a piece of Sutter. During a scrum Valimaki accidentally shoved an official.
So he sits for three. Rough season for Jusso. Mackey has been called up to the Flames taxi squad since the suspension was announced.
Another look at Joe Tonight will be another look at what many consider to be the best player available at the trade deadline. While it’s questionable whether Joe Pavelski would agree to come to Calgary in a trade, it’s unquestionable that his addition would push the Flames to another level. People can point out his age (37) or his three trade list modified NTC, it’s fun to entertain the idea.
Enjoy the game,
Trevor Neufeld