It's amazing how fast things can change in the NHL.
The Florida Panthers started the season 3-1-0 and looked like they were ready to take the next step forward and seriously contend for a playoff spot in a weak Atlantic Division.
Since then the Panthers have won just two of 10 games and are on a five-game losing streak entering tonight's game.
Meanwhile the Calgary Flames are starting to catch fire - no pun intended - having won three of four after registering just two wins their first 11 times out.
These are two teams heading in opposite directions and the Flames are hoping they continue on their current paths tonight.
LINEUPS
Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler Bennett - Backlund - Frolik Colborne - Stajan - Jones Ferland - Grant - Jooris
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Hamilton Engelland - Wideman
Ramo
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Huberdeau - Bjugstad - Jagr Jokinen - Trocheck - Smith Pirri - Bolland - Grimaldi Wilson - MacKenzie - Howden
Campbell - Ekblad Kulikov - Petrovic Mitchell - Gudbranson
Luongo
THREE KEYS 1) 5 vs 5 play. The Panthers are averaging just over nine penalty minutes per game and are a fairly disciplined team so the Flames probably won't get many power play opportunities. That means they'll need to win the full-strength battle. The good news for Calgary is Florida ranks 26th in possession and 25th in scoring chance for percentage so they're not exactly world beaters in that game state.
2) Willie Mitchell and Erik Gudbranson are sub 40% possession players(!!) this season and combine to make one of the worst defense pairings in hockey based on their play this year. The Flames need to take advantage of that and get their top guns out against that pairing as much as possible.
3) Quick zone exits. The Panthers are a big team and they like to get in on the forecheck, work the defense down low and create offense off the cycle. The best way to slow them down is to grab the puck and move it quickly. The Flames have several above average-to-elite puck movers and they need to take advantage of that.
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