After suffering a setback, and missing a golden opportunity to leap the Anaheim Ducks in the standings, the Calgary Flames will have a chance to get some of those points back tonight in Arizona.
It certainly isn't hard to envision them doing so, as the Coyotes have been an absolute disaster this season.
The Coyotes have managed just 11 wins in 36 games (30%) and are last in the NHL in that regard. They are also 29th in goal differential, and 30th when it comes to controlling shot attempts, shots, scoring chances and high-danger chances at 5v5.
Whatever number(s), standard or advanced, you prefer to determine performance, the Coyotes are at or near the bottom of the league. They are a legitimate contender to finish last in the NHL.
The Flames will be positioned well if they can take advantage of their soft schedule over the next couple weeks, but the wins won't pile up themselves. They are going to have to go out and take care of business. That starts tonight.
Here are the expected line combinations for the Flames:
*questionable due to illness
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
Brian Elliott
And the expected lines for the Coyotes (via dailyfaceoff.com):
Tobias Reider - Martin Hanzal - Anthony Duclair Jamie McGinn - Jordan Martinook - Radim Vrbata Brendan Perlini - Peter Holland - Shane Doan Lawson Crouse - Christian Dvorak - Michael Stone
Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Connor Murphy Alex Goligoski - Anthony DeAngelo Jakob Chychrun - Luke Schenn
Mike Smith
A few notes:
1) After getting on track with an extended point streak, Monahan has since gone cold as he's pointless in his last four games. The Flames need him to get going again.
2) I know I stress discipline a lot, but it's very important again tonight. The Coyotes are absolutely abysmal at 5v5. The Flames can't afford to parade to the box and make things easy on them. Force the 'Yotes to be good in an area of weakness if they want the two point.
Tonight's game is scheduled for 10:00 eastern and can be seen on CBC, SN360, SN1 and FS-A Plus.