After a much needed day off (the flu bug was making it's way around the dressing room) the Calgary Flames are back in action tonight against the New York Rangers.
The Flames will be looking to extend their winning streak to five games - and nine games on home ice - and crawl within as little as one point of a playoff spot in the Pacific Division.
The Flames appear to be catching the Rangers at the right time as they are struggling in possession, have won just three of their last 10 and played a road game in Edmonton last night.
That means a) they're tired and b) Henrik Lundqvist may not be starting.
This game is far from a walk in the park but if the Flames play as well as they have of late they should stand a good chance of winning their fifth in a row.
LINEUPS Gaudreau - Monahan - Jones Bennett - Granlund - Hudler Raymond - Backlund - Frolik Ferland - Stajan - Colborne
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Hamilton Wideman - Engelland
Hiller
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Kreider - Lindberg - Nash Hayes - Brassard - Zuccarello Miller - Moore - Fast Glass - Stoll - Stalberg
McDonagh - Girardi Staal - Boyle Yandle - McIlrath
Lundqvist/Raanta
GAME NOTES 1) The Flames have scored 16 goals in their last four games and are starting to get contributions from players all throughout the lineup. Against a tired team struggling to find its way the Flames could have another good night at the office.
2) The flu may be the reason Jonas Hiller started last time out but he stopped 21-22 at evens and won the game. As a result he will be given another start tonight. Hiller and Karri Ramo will both be given a fair share of the starts but with another good one tonight Hiller might be able to run with the job for a while.
3) The Rangers have as much team speed as anyone in hockey. They close quickly on the forecheck and really pressure the puck carrier so the Flames will need to make quick, smart decisions with the puck. If they don't there will be a lot of turnovers.
The game is at 10 eastern and can be seen on CBC and MSG+.
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