The Calgary Flames opened their preseason schedule with a pair of split-squad losses to the Edmonton Oilers.
Tonight, they'll be looking to rebound when they play host to another divisional opponent in the Vancouver Canucks.
Puck drop is just after 9:00ET/7:00MT and can be seen on Sportsnet, Sportsnet360, and the NHL Network (U.S.).
Here is Calgary's projected lineup (I'll add Vancouver's when it becomes available):
Marek Hrivik - Mikael Backlund - Michael Frolik Andrew Mangiapane - Mark Jankowski - Kris Versteeg Joseph Cramarossa - Curtis Lazar - Spencer Foo Ryan Lomberg - Dillon Dube - Tanner Glass
Juuso Valimaki - Michael Stone Brett Kulak - Matt Bartkowski Oliver Kylington - Rasmus Andersson
Jon Gillies Tyler Parsons
Five things to watch:
1) Valimaki remains a longshot to make the Flames, I think, but if he shows well over the next few games he could earn a nine-game tryout and crack the opening night roster. Should he do that, he'd be paired with Stone so I like the decision to give the two a look together.
2) I'm really interested to see Hrivik alongside Backlund and Frolik on what can still be called the 3M line. He posted solid underlying numbers during a 16-game stint with the Rangers last season and is probably a better depth option than Garnet Hathaway, Cramarossa, Glass, and some of the other players being considered for a 4th line/rotation spot. This will be a good chance for him to prove it.
3) Lazar is being given his first opportunity at center. If he is effective in that spot, his versatility should help him get into the lineup on a more consistent basis (especially given how often wingers have to take draws with the re-enforced faceoff rules).
4) Kylington and Andersson are very entertaining, modern-day defensemen and they could very well be a pairing on the big club in the not too distant future. It'll be fun to see them go up against some NHL bodies and quality prospects.
5) Cramarossa and Glass will only be given a few chances to showcase themselves, and they know what they were brought into camp for, so I'd expect a physical, loud game from them this evening.
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