Photo Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight’s game against the Nashville Predators is the first of three meetings between these rivals this season. With a record of 19-21-7, the Predators and Flames (16-24-6) will be fighting to maintain their positions in the standings. The Flames are in 28th place with 38 points while Nashville is in 24th place with 45 points. Calgary has to win this game tonight if there’s any hope of getting ahead.
Still on the injured list are Curtis Glencross, Blair Jones, and Kris Russell. Recently added were David Jones with an eye infection and Mike Cammalleri with a concussion.
In place of Cammalleri as alternate on the ice, Mikael Backlund will wear the “A” again tonight and remains on the first line. As projected on the Flames website, Karri Ramo will start in net again and Paul Byron, Sean Monahan, and Joe Colborne will be matched together. Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie will be on defense to begin and Smid is paired with Dennis Wideman again. Nothing much has changed from last night’s line-up and I think it will work in favor of the Flames. If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.
The Flames will have their work cut out for them tonight though. Seth Jones, first round draft pick in 2013 is in the line-up and leads rookie defensemen with seven points in eleven games. Craig Smith has been on a tear lately, earning 3 points in his last four games. Nashville is sure to make the Flames work for a win tonight.
Puck drop is at 6pm MT.
Go Flames Go!