Keys in the Ignition: Calgary Flames vs Edmonton Oilers
By Len Nunes
Calgary Flames left wing Curtis Glencross and defenceman Ladislav Smid venture back to a familiar place tonight. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
The Oilers are celebrating their 30th anniversary of winning their 1st Stanley Cup. Our Calgary Flames are trying to avoid starting the season 0-2.
To help change the Flames fortunes, Calgary Head Coach Bob Hartley has made a couple line up changes.
The expected change was alternating goalie Karri Ramo in and resting Jonas Hiller. The next two moves will surprise you.
The highest paid Calgary Flames player is defenseman Dennis Wideman. Dennis Wideman will be watching tonight’s game from the pressbox. A move Flame For Thought predicted would happen this morning. Flame For Thought will now go on the record and predict a Raphael Diaz assist in his Flames debut tonight.
Noted as a locker room leader and BFF of Sean Monahan, Brian McGrattan is a healthy scratch for tonight’s game. David Jones draws in to complete a 4th line with Matt Stajan and Brandon Bollig.
I thought Brandon Bollig had a really strong game last night versus Vancouver. Is he good enough to allow Coach Bob Hartley to roll four lines? I believe some of the motivation behind the benching of McGrattan is an attempt to have the 4th line try to eat up 12-14 minutes of ice-time instead of 8-10. Those extra couple minutes on the back end of a back-to-back are beneficial to the likes of Jiri Hudler and Curtis Glencross.
Speaking of Curtis Glencross…I thought he had a solid game in the season opener versus the Canucks. I have read many differing opinions about Mr. Glencross’ performance. Guilty as charged, I am a fan of Curtis Glencross.
GO FLAMES GO!