The Calgary Flames are coming off one of their most impressive performances of the season.
Despite playing in the latter half of a back-to-back, and their third game in four nights overall, the Flames went into Vancouver and beat them into the ground.
Mark Jankowski gave the Flames a lead less than six minutes in and they never looked back en route to a 6-1 trouncing in which they outshot the Canucks 38-17.
Duplicating that game will be nearly impossible, especially against St. Louis, so the key is to try and build on it.
If the Flames are able to do so with another win tonight, they'll leap San Jose in the Pacific Division standings and reclaim a playoff spot. Obviously, there is still a ton of season to go but anytime you fall out of the top-8, you want to get back in there as soon as possible.
The Flames have that opportunity in front of them. Let's see if they can take advantage.
Here are the projected lineups:
Calgary
Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Michael Ferland Matthew Tkachuk - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik Sam Bennett - Mark Jankowski - Garnet Hathaway Troy Brouwer - Matt Stajan - Jaromir Jagr
Mark Giordano - Dougie Hamilton T.J. Brodie - Travis Hamonic Brett Kulak - Michael Stone
Mike Smith
St. Louis (via DailyFaceoff.com)
Vladimir Sobotka - Brayden Schenn - Vladimir Tarasenko Alex Steen - Paul Stastny - Tage Thompson Magnus Paajarvi - Patrik Berglund - Ivan Barbashev Scottie Upshall - Kyle Brodziak - Dmitrij Jaskin
Alex Pietrangelo - Carl Gunnarsson Joel Edmundson - Colton Parayko Vince Dunn - Roberto Bortuzzo
Jake Allen
What to watch:
1) I'm really interested to see how the new-look power plays fare. On a per minute basis, Jankowski leads the Flames in scoring chances so he's probably earned an opportunity on the top unit. Meanwhile, Bennett has been one of the Flames' best point producers of late and will be given a shot on the 2nd unit as a result. I'm all for the decision to change things up because the power plays could definitely use a spark.
2) I'm really looking forward to the 3M vs Tarasenko matchup. The 3M line has been excellent this season, especially at home, while Tarasenko ranks 2nd in the NHL in 5v5 chances and has a shot that makes him dangerous from anywhere in the offensive zone.
3) Giordano is coming off his best offensive performance of the season. He was jumping into the play often, firing pucks on net from everywhere, and was really involved once the Flames gained the line. I think Giordano jumping up a little more, coupled with extra PP time on the top unit, could really help unlock the offense.
4) The Bennett - Jankowski - Hathaway line has a 59 Corsi For% and 65.8 Expected Goals For% since being put together. I think they could have another good night against this St. Louis bottom-6.
5) Smith has won just one of his last five starts despite posting a .931 save percentage during that span. He's due for a little more goal support.
Puck drop is just after 9:30 eastern and can be seen on Sportsnet 360 and FS-MW.
Recent posts: On Bennett's improved play, Smith's workload, and more