The Calgary Flames will take to the ice later tonight against the St Louis Blues as the Flames look to maintain and improve upon their post season chances.
As things stand, the race between Calgary, Los Angeles, and Vancouver are neck and neck with San Jose trying to squeeze in as well. Both the Flames and Canucks hold identical records over their past ten played while LA has amassed one less point.
Things are damn close and fans are certainly getting very anxious with 13 games remaining until playoffs. That being said Calgary hasn’t really shown any signs of slowing down and have been very respectable throughout their last few weeks of hockey.
When looking over their recent games played, Calgary has won six of their previous seven played, and their last three losses were all one goal games, with one going as far as a shootout. What this all means?
Well the Flames are clearly sustaining their play, or more, playing to the level of some of the elite teams at the present moment. They are proving to be a very hard team to play against and despite missing their captain and having a questionable roster in terms of overall experience, or proving the pundits wrong.
Tonight Calgary has a very tough challenge against a strong Blues team who is sitting atop the league and their respective division with 93pts for the year. The issue tonight for the Flames is that the Blues are the NHL’s best on the road since January, having only lost 2 games in regulation.
"Talking about teams with no weaknesses, here's a team that can beat you in so many ways," Hartley offered. "The (T.J.) Oshie's, the (Vladimir) Tarasenko's ... then you look at the big boys size like (David) Backes and company. You look at their blueline, they move very well, they're big, they defend very good, their special teams are great."
This is clearly going to be a challenge for the boys tonight, but should give them a strong indication of just how “playoff-ready… they really are. Going toe to toe with the Blues tonight and keeping the game close if not winning will go a long way with respect to their confidence and playoff push.
Calgary will need to offer a strong defensive game against a team who has many offensive weapons and size. By keeping the players to the outside and forcing the shooter, they should be able to limit their opposition’s chances and try to get the puck moving in the opposite direction.
In response to St Louis’ scoring touches, the Flames will need their hottest players in Monahan, Gaudreau, Hudler, and Backlund to have great games. Of course, just with any other game, the stronger goalie will influence the score and it looks like Hiller might get the start as he’s 7-1-0 with a 2.42 GAA against the Blues.
Enjoy the game and for those celebrating, enjoy the beer!