Calgary Flames Host Phoenix Coyotes In Fourth Of Five Match-Ups
By Traci Kay
Photo Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
The Flames host the Phoenix Coyotes tonight at the Saddledome in the fourth of five match-ups this season. The Coyotes have won 2 of 3 so far, and the Flames will have to dig hard to get past the grit and skill of Shane Doan, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Keith Yandle, and Rob Klinkhammer.
The last ten games for both clubs look very similar (Phoenix 3-7-0, Calgary 2-7-1). Either team could get the win tonight. But with Phoenix ahead of the Flames by 16 points in the standings, Calgary will have to fight hard to get those goals.
Mikael Backlund won the game for the Flames on December 4th against Phoenix – I wonder if he’ll be able to do it again. And with Kris Russell back on the blue line, our defense doesn’t fall solely on the shoulders of the captain, Mark Giordano.
With the always-dependable Jiri Hudler, and the great effort that Kevin Westgarth seems to be giving, our offensive play has potential to take the Flames above the Coyotes.
The Calgary Energy Line has been on a minor streak lately, gaining points and momentum. Notching a couple goals recently and setting up plays, this line has proved that they aren’t just a bunch of pretty faces. Brian McGrattan has a goal and two assists while Blair Jones has two goals. This line has been productive as of late, as the Westgarth goal from the last game against San Jose proved. Here’s hoping this line can keep their momentum going.
Mike Cammalleri and Curtis Glencross are still out of tonight’s line-up with injuries. Puck drop is at 7:30pm MT.
Go Flames Go!