Match-up - Calgary Flames (33-32-11) @ New Jersey Devils (34-28-15) Road/Home records - 15-20-4 -------------- 20-10-8 TV - MSG Plus, Sportsnet West, RDS2 Puck drop - 7:00 p.m. ET Season series - Flames 1-0 Last 10: Flames 6-4-0 | Devils 5-2-3 Projected starting goalies - Karri Ramo vs Cory Schneider
Projected lines for the Flames:
Mike Cammalleri - Jiri Hudler - Bryce Van Brabant Curtis Glencross - Sean Monahan - Joe Colborne Ken Agostino - T.J. Galiardi - Brian McGratten Ben Hanowski - Lance Bouma - Kevin Westgarth
Mark Giordano - T.J. Brodie Kris Russell - Chris Butler Chad Billins - Chris Breen
Projected lines for the Devils:
Tuomo Ruutu - Travis Zajac - Jaromir Jagr Damien Brunner - Dainius Zubrus - Michael Ryder Ryan Carter - Stephen Gionta - Steve Bernier Eric Gelinas - Tim Sestio - Mike Sislo
Andy Greene - Mark Fayne Jon Merrill - Marek Zidlicky Anton Volchenkov - Pete Harrold
Notes:
- Columbus won Sunday, so the Devils remain three points back of them for the final playoff spot. SportsClubStats gives the Devils a 22% chance of making the playoffs, but that raises to over 30% if the Devils can win tonight. SCS also suggests a 3-0-1 record down the stretch gives them a 55% of making the post-season, while 4-0-0 essentially makes them a lock at almost 90%. Suffice to say, tonight is a big game.
- Calgary isn't as bad of a team as many suggest. Their possession numbers have improved as the season has gone on, and as a result they're winning more hockey games. Giordano and Brodie have also emerged as a legitimate top pairing. I expect they'll shadow Travis Zajac's line throughout the game.
- Jon Merrill's starting to produce more offensively, and his defensive play hasn't been sacrificed to do it. Merrill's quietly developing into a top-4 defenseman right before our eyes. His steady improvement has been impressive to watch, and somewhat surprising, considering the little amount of hockey he's played over the last two seasons due to suspensions, injuries and a small college schedule.
His possession numbers over the last six games while playing pretty big minutes are a good indication of his play.
- With the season on the line, Cory Schneider seems to be getting a steady string of starts. You have to wonder why he didn't get more playing time earlier in the season. An extra start here and there could be the difference in the Devils being in a playoff spot rather than fighting to get in one.
- Ruutu - Zajac - Jagr absolutely dominated possession against the Hurricanes and created chances consistently. They'll have a tougher task tonight going up against Giordano - Brodie.
- Speaking of Zajac, he has seven points over his last four games and has been getting better and better as the games grow in importance. That's what you like to see from your top line center.
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