Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
If the Calgary Flames thought that the last game against the Chicago Blackhawks was tough, today’s afternoon game against the Anaheim Ducks won’t be any easier. Anaheim is only 3 points behind Chicago in the standings and the Ducks have a record of 17-7-3 so far this season. Compared to the Flames meagre 20 points, this could be a bitter disappointment again. To add to the stress of playing one of the top teams in the league, Getzlaf is on an 8-game point streak and is sitting at a +12 rating right now.
On the other hand, Anaheim has lost four of their last six games, which makes me wonder if Calgary can capitalize on their mini-slump. The Flames have been notorious in the past few seasons for the erratic play – they lose mercilessly to some of the lower-rated teams in the league, yet they have a mystical way of winning in a big way against teams that are high up in the standings. Even though some of our biggest assets are on the IR, I still think that the Flames have what it takes to get the job done.
With Chris Breen on defense, Reinhart and Byron taking place at center, and Backlund (most likely) getting more ice time, this team will have to be focused and motivated to win. I have a feeling that the first period will probably set the tone for the entire game. One thing is for sure, with all the injuries, the call-ups will have a lot to prove. Some of Calgary’s best players have been injured and the call-ups will have big skates to fill.
Giordano, Glencross, Galiardi, Monahan, and Wideman are all out of our lineup today, but this team never ceases to surprise me, so I will faithfully go through all my personal superstitions like I do with every other game. If we don’t win this one (or, at least, if we don’t play to our potential), I may consider throwing all my superstitions out the window.