After a few days off the Calgary Flames are back in action tonight as they host the Dallas Stars in a battle of polar opposites.
The Calgary Flames have lost three straight, sit in a tie for last in the NHL, and own a league-worst minus-31 goal differential, while the Dallas Stars sit atop the Western Conference and have an impressive plus-23 goal differential through 24 games.
Calgary hasn't been as bad as their record indicates - some quality games have been wasted by poor goaltending - and they've had some success at home (5-5-0) but it's tough to like their chances against a 19-5-0 team that has won 10 of 12 games on the road this season.
The Stars have a very balanced attack, three of the league's top-5 scorers and are firing at all cylinders right now. If the Flames aren't at their best this one could get ugly. LINEUPS Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler Bennett - Backlund - Frolik Colborne - Stajan - Jones Ferland - Granlund - Jooris
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Hamilton Engelland - Wideman
Ramo
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Benn - Seguin - Sharp Janmark - Spezza - Eaves Roussel - Eakin - Nichushkin Sceviour - Fiddler - Hemsky
Goligoski - Klingberg Oduya - Demers Nemeth - Benn
Niemi
WHAT TO WATCH 1) The Stars' power play has been remarkably good this season clicking at a 27% rate. The Flames' penalty kill has been absurdly bad running at 70.8% on the year. One way or another this will be a fun matchup to watch.
2) If you like high-scoring, high-event hockey this game is for you. The Dallas Stars are the highest event team averaging 117.8 events (shot attempts for + against) per 60 minutes of 5 v 5 while the Flames rank 5th averaging 110.5. Buckle up.
3) Offense from the defense. This game features John Klingberg, Alex Goligoski, Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton and T.J. Brodie on the back end. All of these guys make a good first pass, can skate and like to get involved offensively. The points will activate a lot in this game, which should lead to more chances at both ends of the ice.
The game is at 9 eastern and can be seen on Sportsnet West and FS-SW.
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