Pregame Notes Before Calgary Flames Take On Tampa Bay Lightning

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Just a few quick notes before tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

There are a few changes to the projected lines tonight. According to the Calgary Herald, Matt Stajan will be out of the lineup due to a personal situation. Paul Byron is out of the lineup tonight for personal reasons as well. Ben Hanowski and T.J. Galiardi will return in place of the missing team members. Tyler Wotherspoon is out of the lineup because he will need surgery on his shoulder, but Chris Breen was called up from Abbotsford to take his place.

Karri Ramo gets the start in net tonight against Tampa Bay, who drafted him in 2004.

Johnny Gaudreau is still considering whether or not to turn pro and join the Flames after being named as one of the finalists in the running for the Hobey Baker Award. In another article written for the Calgary Herald, Burke is quoted as saying, “I’ve never encouraged a kid to leave school early. I said ‘Where you play next year, you will decide that.'” Where Gaudreau decides to play is solely up to him and I’m sure it will be one of the toughest decisions he will ever make.

Lastly, as stated on the Flames website, Mark Giordano has been nominated for the Masterton Award, which goes to the player who shows dedication and sportsmanship in hockey. Congrats on the nomination, Gio!

So far, the Flames are 0-2 on this road trip and I’m hoping, in spite of the lineup changes, that they can get back on track with a big win.

Puck drop is at 5:30pm MST and can be seen on SportsNet West or heard on The Fan 960.

Go Flames Go!