Last time out the Calgary Flames snapped their mini two-game losing streak squeaking by a scorching hot St. Louis Blues team in overtime.
They'll look to build on that by picking up a much-needed two points tonight when they host the Colorado Avalanche.
The Flames are three points back of San Jose/Edmonton for 2nd in the Pacific Division, which would give them home-ice advantage in the opening round.
Three points isn't a big number but there is not a lot of racetrack remaining so the Flames really need to pick it up if they're going to catch those teams. They can't afford to drop points, especially against teams like the Avalanche.
While the record suggests the Avs are still playing atrocious hockey -- they have lost seven of their last 10 -- they have actually made some strides of late.
Over the last 10 games, they're controlling almost 50% of the shot attempts and out-chancing their opponents at 5v5. They've just dealt with .888 goaltending in that span, which has ensured no reward for their efforts.
They're not a good team but they are playing a little better. The Flames might be surprised if they take the Avs lightly.
Here are the expected line combinations for the Flames:
Matthew Tkachuk - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Micheal Ferland Kris Versteeg - Sam Bennett - Troy Brouwer Lance Bouma - Matt Stajan - Alex Chiasson
Mark Giordano - Dougie Hamilton T.J. Brodie - Michael Stone Matt Bartkowski - Deryk Engelland
Brian Elliott
And the expected lines for the Avs (via dailyfaceoff.com):
Gabriel Landeskog - Matt Duchene - Rene Bourque Sven Andrighetto - Nathan MacKinnon - Mikko Rantanen John Mitchell - Carl Soderberg - Blake Comeau Mikhail Grigorenko - J.T. Compher - Joe Colborne
Erik Johnson - Mark Barberio Fedor Tyutin - Tyson Barrie Anton Lindholm - Francois Beauchemin
Calvin Pickard
A few notes:
1) The Flames and Avalanche are both top-10 in 5v5 scoring chance suppression over the last 10 games. Don't expect them to trade Grade A looks in this one.
2) The 3M line dismantled the Blues last time out (chances were 10-2 CGY with them on the ice) but they weren't rewarded on the scoresheet. I think it'll be a different story tonight.
3) Through two meetings thus far, the Flames are up by six goals and 22 shots on aggregate. Like most teams, the Flames have had the Avs' number thus far,
Tonight's game is scheduled for 9:00 eastern and can be seen on SNW and Altitude.