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Two puns in one blog title? Yes, I have officially lost it!
While most games which have remained for the Calgary Flames over the past week have been against teams preparing for the playoffs, tonight’s game will be against one team still fighting for one of two Eastern Conference Wildcards.
With four games remaining, and sitting three points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Devils are hopeful that they can win out their remaining games and give themselves as strong a chance to make the postseason as they possible could.
While the team has struggled to move up the standings for a large part of this NHL season, they have managed 13 points of a possible 20 over their last ten games played, and are currently sitting on a two game winning streak.
Tonight will be the second time these two teams meet this year and while both are sitting on a two game winning streak, only one is fighting for a playoff spot. That said, the last time the Devils were challenged against the Flames, Calgary walked away with a 3-2 win. They will need to bring their A game tonight if they plan on extending their playoff chances.
"I've known the character in that room for the three years I've been here," Devils coach DeBoer said. "I knew there was no quit in that dressing room and these guys were going to play until they tell us we can't play anymore."
As most teams have been finding out, the Flames are not an easy team to play against of late and have been doing very well since January 1st. In fact, the team is ranked 4th league wide in goal differential since late January. What’s more is that the Flames’ PK is ranked 16th and their shots against per game is 7th in the league. There is a clear improvement in many defensive elements of their game, as demonstrated by the number of close games which we’ve all witnessed this year.
"I…ˆdon't care that we're not making the playoffs, I don't care that we're at the end of the season. It's an investment. We're asking the guys to play playoff hockey…… Bob Hartley said. Tonight will be a big night for Flames prospect Kenny Agostino as he gets his first chance to play in his home building as an NHLer. As customary in games like these, expect Hartley to start Kenny in the opening shift as he’s done with previous players.
“It’s going to be a special feeling,… says Agostino “A lot of family and friends, I’m sure, will be there.…
“Even a couple of guys on the other team congratulated me.… “That kind of respect is nice. It’s an experience I’m not going to forget.…
Outside of the possibility that Kenny opens the game, here are your expected lines for tonight.
Glencross - Monahan - Colborne Van Brabant - Cammalleri - Hudler Agostino - Galiardi - McGrattan Hanowski - Bouma - Westgarth
Giordano - Brodie Russell - Butler Billins - Cundari
Ramo
Thanks for reading!