The Calgary Flames are back in action tonight as they take on the Anaheim Ducks in a battle between two of the biggest underachievers this season.
Following a surprising playoff berth and off-season additions like Dougie Hamilton and Michael Frolik the Flames were looking to take the next step this year while the Anaheim Ducks added depth to an already competent squad and had many penciling them in as this year's Stanley Cup winner.
There is still plenty of time for these teams to right the ship and make some noise but the early returns have been underwhelming.
In saying that both squads appear to be heading in the right direction following their dreadful starts to the season.
The Flames have won six of their last 10 and are starting to get some quality outings from Karri Ramo while the Ducks own a 5-3-2 record in their last 10 and have been a 54.5% possession team in that span.
The standings suggest this is a game between two bad teams but I'm expecting an entertaining game between two very talented teams in desperate need of a win.
LINEUPS *Missed Monday's practice with an illness.
Gaudreau - Monahan - Raymond/Hudler* Bennett - Backlund - Frolik Colborne - Stajan - Jones Ferland - Jooris - Bollig
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Hamilton Engelland - Wideman
Ramo
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Rakell - Getzlaf - Perry Ritchie - Kesler - Silfverberg Hagelin - Horcoff - Cogliano Maroon - Santorelli - Stewart
Fowler - Bieksa Stoner - Vatanen Holzer - Manson
Andersen
THREE KEYS 1) Karri Ramo has been more than serviceable of late posting a .900 save percentage or better in six of his last eight starts. He'll need to be good again because the Ducks are starting to play like the team we expected to see and there's a good chance he'll see a lot of rubber as a result.
2) Quick outs. The Ducks are as good of a forechecking team as there is in hockey and that's been a constant since Bruce Boudreau took over. If the Flames don't make smart decisions with the puck and move it up ice quickly the Ducks' forecheck will cause problems.
3) Discipline. The Ducks have struggled mightily to fill the net this season and many of their top players have yet to start producing at a steady rate. The Flames need to ensure they don't make life any easier on the Ducks by parading to the box. The game is at 10 eastern and can be seen on Sportsnet West and Fox Sports West.