The Calgary Flames will put the league's longest winning streak (seven games) on the line again today as they conclude their three-game road trip in St. Louis.
With wins over Dallas and Nashville in their own buildings this road trip has been a great success for the Flames. That will hold even more true if they can finish things off on a high note with a win over the Blues.
Accomplishing such a feat will be no easy task as the Blues sit in a tie for second in the Western Conference and are coming off impressive come-from-behind wins against Winnipeg and Nashville.
The Blues are strong defensively, the league's third best possession team and have a potent offense led by star forward Vladimir Tarasenko.
The Flames will need all hands on deck if they're going to pick up their eighth consecutive win.
LINEUPS Gaudreau - Monahan - Jones Bennett - Granlund - Hudler Raymond - Backlund - Jooris Ferland - Stajan - Colborne
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Hamilton Engelland - Wideman
Ramo
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Steen - Stastny - Tarasenko Paajarvi - Backes - Brouwer Fabbri - Lettera - Jaskin Upshall - Brodziak - Reaves
Bouwmeester - Pietrangelo Lindbohm - Shattenkirk Gunnarsson - Parayko
Elliott
GAME NOTES 1) Karri Ramo has been lights out of late stopping 87-91 (.956SV%) over his last three starts. Obviously that's unsustainable over time but the Flames need another quality start from him if they're going to have a chance against a Western Conference powerhouse in the Blues.
2) Kevin Shattenkirk has 19 points in his last 17 games. Dougie Hamilton has six points in his last seven games. Kris Russell has five points in his last three games. This contest also features the likes of Alex Pietrangelo, T.J. Brodie and Mark Giordano. Expect a lot of offense from the defense in this one.
3) The Blues are clicking at 20.8% on the man advantage and have the NHL's 2nd best penalty killing unit. The Flames probably won't accomplish much on special teams so they're going to have to win the even-strength battle.
The game is at 3:00 eastern and can be seen on SNW and FS-MW
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