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With the around 12 games remaining and the playoffs in sight, most NHL teams are playing every game like it was their last in order to try and secure a postseason berth.
While the Calgary Flames and Nashville Predators may not find themselves in this particular situation, tonight’s game isn’t expected to be taken any lighter than the rest of the league, as Calgary doesn't appear to be too interested in fighting for a lotto pick.
Sitting in 26th league wide, the Calgary Flames are arguably one of the stronger basement dwellers at the moment, proven by not only their number of close games, but also their work ethic. With most teams having already thrown in the towel and not appearing to be making any necessary adjustments to try and improve upon games, the Flames continue to battle as a unified group.
That said, the team currently holds a past ten game record of 6-4-0 and will be challenged with Nashville and their current 3-7-0 record, who are also on a three game losing streak. The Predators have been struggling to find the back of the net of late, and have consequently dropped far more games than they had hoped for come this time of the season.
"We've got to get some goals for our goaltender," coach Barry Trotz said. "Carter Hutton had a good game for us. We need some production from our forwards. We've got virtually zero. If our defense aren't scoring, we're not scoring it seems like."
Conversely, the youth Calgary Flames squad have been playing quite well of late given that the team was expected to be dead last this year. Many will argue that with low expectations, teams find ways to battle and prove the pundits wrong. With so many new and young players on the squad, it stands to reason that everyone is trying to earn themselves a spot for next season.
"It's important because it's an audition," coach Bob Hartley said. "It's a great audition for them. Right now, we're playing teams that they're fighting for a playoff spot; they're fighting to get a better spot in the top eight. We're living a playoff atmosphere.…
"They might not feel the pressure, but still the games mean something. I think it's great for our learning process."
This is precisely the type of comments and attitude that should be coming from a rebuilding team. Sure, you aren’t expected to make the playoffs, and yes, you’re expected to lose more games than you win. However, there should always be room for development and each game should be a learning experience or a chance to get better for these young players.
Not instilling a winning type atmosphere this early into these player’s careers could have detrimental effects down the road. And while this isn’t a proven science, for me, it simply seems like common sense; something that isn’t so common I suppose. With respect to new young players, Kenny Agostino will make his NHL debut tonight. The 21 year old has recently signed a two year entry level deal with the Flames and will likely get as much ice time as possible to close out the season, as the organization hopes to get a good look at their newest prospect.
When asked about what he likes about Agostino, Hartley answered with:
“His skills. I look at his poise with the puck and his vision with the puck — he’s pretty gifted. He has good hands and everything."
“The understanding of the game? Well … obviously, he’s a kid coming out of college. They always need time. This is a big jump for him.…
In addition to Kenny, veteran forward Jiri Hudler will be joining the team tonight after missing seven games due to a groin pull. Markus Granlund also appears to be near ready after suffering a shoulder injury, though an exact date has not been provided at this point.
With respect to other injuries, as recently noted, Dennis Wideman appears that he will be out the remainder of the season as he continues to suffer with an upper body injury. David Jones also remains on the IR with an upper body injury, though the team says he should be back for a few games near the end of the season.
Here are your expected line ups for tonight’s bout.
Glencross - Stajan - Hudler Cammalleri - Backlund - Byron Agostino - Monahan - Colborne Bouma - Galiardi - McGrattan
Brodie- Giordano Russell - Butler Smid - Wotherspoon Joni Ortio
Thanks for reading!