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First off, I’d like to apologize to my readers for the lack of content yesterday – was a little busier than my typical Monday morning. Thankfully there were no games scheduled and not too much happened, but we have plenty to discuss just the same.
Today, the Calgary Flames will be challenged by the Chicago Blackhawks for their third straight home game, and hopefully win!
As we discussed just last week, the Flames were embarking on a terrible home record, nearly clinching eight straight home losses. Since securing their 17th win of the year, Calgary has won back to back games at home and is pushing for a new streak – this time in the other direction.
The Flames were faced with two teams last week who were having some struggles in the scoring department and as such were able to walk away with four points. This week, however, they are scheduled to play against Chicago and San Jose, before ending the week and five back to back home games, against Minnesota.
The Flames will have a slight advantage in their favour tonight as the Hawks are currently on a three game losing streak, and have won but three games in regulation over their last ten played. That said, Calgary will have a tough challenge against the Stanley Cup Champs just the same, as they have taken 10 points out of a possible 12 so far against the Flames this year.
"It's going to be a good test, especially against teams in their own building," Versteeg said. "It's fun hockey. We should take it as a challenge and be excited about the opportunity ahead."We're going to have to go into Calgary and play ticked off."
On the other side of things, Calgary has found some confidence throughout their last couple of games and with two wins on their side, should be ready for the challenge.
As I mentioned in previous blogs, the Flames success often comes when guys like David Jones, Mikael Backlund, and Kris Russell are scoring. Jones is currently playing quite strong, having scored 3pts in his last two games, while Russell has 3pts in 3 games, and Backlund 2pts in two games himself.
It is very important for teams such as the Flames to receive scoring from all their lines and to really try and showcase their organizational depth. While the above mentioned players have been succeeding, we should not forget about their top players who have equally found success of late, such as Giordano who has been good for 6pts in six games.
There are some players, however, who have been struggling to find points despite playing well. Both Sean Monahan and Dennis Wideman have but 1 point between the two of them in their last two games played, and Hudler has zero. These are guys who the team will need to rely upon against stronger teams such as the Hawks, though they are also likely to be given the tougher assignments, too.
While Chris Breen was called up for action after sending Shane O’Brien to the minors in addition to Ladislav Smid injuring his groin, it appears that Smid will suit up tonight against the Hawks and Breen may need to wait a little while longer for more ice time with the Flames.
The 6-foot-7, 225lbs. defenseman has been doing quite well playing for the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL, and his coaches have certainly noticed. When he does get his chance to play some regular time with the Flames, Hartley expects a big jump from the 24 year old.
“I talked with Breener and said, ‘You have to show the hockey world that you are an NHL player, and it starts in practice — it starts in your demeanour. How long you’re gonna be here, you decide.’ We’re all in that same chair. We decided on what we control. That’s what I want him to understand.“He’s a big body. Conditioning-wise, he needs to be at the top of his game, to continue to work on his skills, reading the game, using his size to all his advantage ……
Given the message sent early on by Brian Burke & Co., it’s no surprise that guys like Breen are going to be called up as the Flames look to maintain a tough style of hockey. With current defenseman such as Russell, TJ Brodie, and Chris Butler who are all smaller defenseman (on average), the Flames will continue to look within their organization for guys like Breen to shine and make an impression for a roster spot.
“Not just be a big body and use my stick but to use my body and push guys around and be physical — make myself known out there,… Breen added. “I want to prove I can play here, that I am a good fit for this team and I can play a game that’s going to help this team out.…
Hudler – Backlund - Stempniak Galiardi – Monahan - Colborne Bouma – Stajan - Jones Westgarth – Street - McGrattan
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Butler Smid - Wideman
Berra
Lastly, with respect to injury updates, Mike Cammalleri continues to skate with the team and is appearing much better. He is likely to make his return very soon, though there is still not much in terms of news for Curtis Glencross who has not yet skated with the team. Glencross is not likely expected back until sometime after the Olympic break – better to play it safe anyways.
For those who voted on the poll question from last week found here, 36% of you felt that Cammalleri will end up in LA, with the Pens (13%) and Detroit (11%) trailing. There is certainly going to be a lot of interest from the Kings if Mike is back in the next couple of days.
Thanks for reading!