The Calgary Flames have been on cruise control of late -- they've won seven of 10 and have largely looked good doing so -- and that will probably continue with a very soft schedule over the next couple weeks.
The lone exception is tonight's game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Despite the strong run the Flames are on, the Ducks still sit ahead of them in the standings and they've played one less game.
That makes this contest even more important as, while still extremely early, the Flames can jump into a divisional playoff spot, as opposed to a wild card spot, with a win tonight.
Unfortunately for the Flames, they will be without Troy Brouwer again tonight (and for the next little while). Mikael Backlund, however, did not suffer a serious injury of any kind and is expected to play tonight, which saves Glen Gulutzan and a co. from a lot of lineup shuffling.
Here are the expected line combinations for the Flames:
Matthew Tkachuk - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik Johnny Gaudreau - Sam Bennett - Alex Chiasson Kris Versteeg - Sean Monahan - Micheal Ferland Lance Bouma - Matt Stajan - Garnet Hathaway
Mark Giordano - Dougie Hamilton T.J. Brodie - Dennis Wideman Jyrki Jokipakka - Deryk Engelland
Chad Johnson
And the expected lines for the Ducks (via dailyfaceoff.com):
Andrew Cogliano - Ryan Kesler - Jakob Silfverberg Nick Ritchie - Ryan Getzlaf - Ondrej Kase Rickard Rakell - Antoine Vermette - Corey Perry Joseph Cramarossa - Logan Shaw - Jared Boll
Cam Fowler - Brandon Montour Hampus Lindholm - Josh Manson Shea Theodore - Kevin Bieksa
John Gibson
A few notes:
1) On the year, the Ducks control ~44% of the shot attempts, 43% of the scoring chances and ~41% of the goals with Bieksa on the ice at 5v5. The Flames should use last change to get their best offensive players out against him every chance they get.
2) The Ducks lead the league in 5v4 shot attempts/60 and are 2nd in 5v4 scoring chances/60. They, like the Flames of late, are lethal on the man advantage so discipline is key.
3) Johnny Gaudreau started the season slowly but has registered 18 points in his last 14 games. He is back to his dynamic self.
Tonight's game is scheduled for 9:00 eastern and can be seen on SN360 and Prime.
Recent posts: Power play stays hot as Flames dismantle Avalanche