The Calgary Flames had some time off between games since their last comeback OT loss against the Ottawa Senators a few nights ago.
Tonight they will face a big strong Anaheim team who have been struggling of late, dropping back to back games, despite still standing strong with a 7-3-0 record over their last ten games played. This may be a good opportunity for the Flames to pounce on a team in a slight slump as they try and improve their spot in the Pacific Division.
And while the Ducks are looking to get out of that losing slump, the Flames are still on a high from their last comeback which earned them a point after being down four goals to none going in to the third period.
''We were all really excited when we scored the fourth one,'' said Backlund.''We always want the two points and we're disappointed, but at the same time we made a huge comeback and we'll bring that with us.''
As things currently stand, the Flames maintain the 3rd spot in their respective division, and another win tonight would move them just one point behind the Canucks for 2nd place in the Pacific. Vancouver doesn’t hit the ice tonight, however they have amassed 13 points out of a possible 20 over their last ten played, so they certainly aren’t making things easy on the Flames who have picked up 12 over the same stretch.
Moving forward there will be pressure on this group which may start to expose some inexperience with the leadership of their captain. Throughout most of the year there wasn’t much pressure on this group as any games won was a bonus, but with 16 games remaining on the year, every game here on out is critical and the coach understands they need to keep focused.
“Good or bad, we turn the page. This is where we’re focusing right now. Every game is, basically, a must-win and our focus is on the Ducks.… Hartley offered.
While the Flames are missing some key players due to injury and somewhat trade, there are other players emerging as leaders such as Kris Russell and Jiri Hudler who, although fans may not have noticed, the coaching staff did.
Russ has always been a great warrior for us,… said Hartley. “You guys are starting to notice him but, for us, since last year, we knew the quality we had in Russ. Off the ice, on the ice. You look at him in practice. He’s a warrior. He might not be the biggest guy, but he sure goes out there and gives it everything he’s got.…
And in terms of Hudler – we’ve been chatting quite a bit about this player who is looking to be one of the most important pieces to the success of this team at the moment.
Despite letting in four goals in the first two periods during their last game, Karri Ramo will get the nod tonight to start, and the Flames will need to come out flying and not allow an early goal. Chasing the game is always a bad thing and the Flames have been notoriously slow starters this year.
A quick goal and trying to control the pace of the game will be their key to success tonight.
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