Tonight at 9 PM EST (7 pm local time), the Calgary Flames (23-22-6) play host to the Chicago Blackhawks (29-15-7) at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
The last time these two teams played was on December 18th in Chicago, a one-sided affair that Chicago ended up winning 4-2, a score that didn’t accurately reflect how badly the Flames were beaten. The ‘Hawks built up a 3-0 lead that held out easily. The Flames are coming off a 3-1 loss to Detroit on Tuesday, which the Blackhawks are continuing on their tour of Western Canada, having lost their last two in Vancouver and Edmonton.
The ‘Hawks will be hungry for a win after a couple of losses, especially after last night’s drubbing at the hands of Sam Gagner and the Oilers, losing 8-4 (EIGHT POINTS FOR GAGNER THAT IS NOT A MISPRINT) in humiliating fashion last night. I seem to think the Blackhawks have the Flames’ number, but I’m probably still scarred from watching a game a couple years ago where the Flames built up a 5-0 lead, only to end up losing the game 6-5. There’s no denying the Blackhawks are a talented team, and would give anyone fits, but the Flames can’t afford to get caught in a shootout. Hopefully they’ll be able to keep the ‘Hawks many skill players under wraps, while still scratching out enough offense to win. I certainly doubt they can match the Oilers’ output from the night before.
As it seems to be most years with the Flames, the question will be whether they can generate enough offense to stay in the hunt, both in this game, and going forward. The team currently sits 26th in the league in goals per game, having scratched out all of one goal in the last two losses. The hope is recently returned Flame Mike Cammalleri can help fill the nets, something he did well for the team a couple years ago. This may also be our first look at Krys Kolanos, recently called up from Abbotsford. Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff is close to a couple of personal milestones- if he plays tonight, he’ll set the franchise mark for most games played by a goalie, breaking his current tie with Mike Vernon (526). Kipper is also, incidentally, two wins away from 300 for his career.