Tonight the Calgary Flames will be looking to conclude their road trip through Eastern Canada with a win, and snap a four-game skid in the process, as they take on the Ottawa Senators.
The Flames enter this game playing their worst hockey of the season. They have allowed 20 goals over their four-game losing streak and lost six of their last seven overall. They've not only been losing games but have routinely been blown out and looked lifeless in the process.
As a result of this poor stretch, they no longer hold a playoff spot. They have also played two more games than the team they're chasing (Vancouver) and three more than the team sitting one point behind them (Los Angeles).
If the Flames are going to get into the playoffs, they're going to have to start picking up points on a pretty routine basis.
Meanwhile, the Senators, a surprise team to many like myself, continue to chug along. They've won six of 10 and current sit 2nd in the Atlantic Division.
Everyone expected they'd score their share of goals, but I don't think anyone expected the defense and goaltending (with Mike Condon between the pipes) to hold up like it has.
Couple Sens' players doing their part with a handful of teams underachieving (Tampa Bay, Florida, Boston) and it's not hard to see why they sit where they do in the standings.
This will be another tough test for a Flames team struggling to find its way.
Here are the expected line combinations for the Flames:
Matthew Tkachuk - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Alex Chiasson Kris Versteeg - Sam Bennett - Troy Brouwer Lance Bouma - Matt Stajan - Freddie Hamilton
Mark Giordano - Dougie Hamilton T.J. Brodie - Dennis Wideman Brett Kulak - Deryk Engelland
Brian Elliott/Chad Johnson
And the expected lines for the Senators (via dailyfaceoff.com):
**Tommy Wingels is expected to debut, no word yet where he'll slot in
Mike Hoffman - Kyle Turris - Bobby Ryan Zack Smith - Derick Brassard - Mark Stone Ryan Dzingel - J.G. Pageau - Tom Pyatt Curtis Lazar - Chris Kelly - Chris Neil
Marc Methot - Erik Karlsson Dion Phaneuf - Cody Ceci Frederik Claesson - Chris Wideman
Mike Condon
A few notes:
1) The Phaneuf - Ceci pairing has struggled this year controlling ~45% of the score adjusted shot attempts and having a negative goal differential. That's the pairing the Flames should target with the Gaudreau line. It could be just what he needs to get back on track.
2) I hate to use the easy narratives mainstreamers use at times, but the first goal is very important in this game. Of late, the Flames look like they're just waiting for something bad to happen and, in the last game before a handful of days off, it'd be easy to mail it in if things don't go their way early. If they can get the first goal they'll regain some confidence, have some jump in their step and be engaged in the game. That's what they need.
3) Another important factor: special teams. The Flames have allowed at least one power play goal in four straight and a short-handed goal in two straight. It's hard to win when you lose the special teams battle every night.
Tonight's game is scheduled for 7:30 eastern and can be seen on TSN5, SNW and RDS.