Photo Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The Calgary Flames are back in action again tonight when they take on the New York Islanders. The Flames are coming off a five game win streak that was broken by the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night.
This is the first time these two teams have played since December 29th, 2011. With two games this season, tonight’s match-up is the first. The second will be on March 7th, 2014.
Tonight’s line-up looks familiar, with Jiri Hudler, Mikael Backlund, and Lee Stempniak on the front line while T.J. Brodie and Mark Giordano start on the blue line. There are a couple of minor changes tonight. Kevin Westgarth is not listed in the projected lines and we see the return of Paul Byron. Reto Berra gets the start in net with Joni Ortio as backup.
Chances of seeing Ortio play in net seem slim, as Karri Ramo is expected back after the Olympic break. With a record of 19-5-0, 2.08 GAA, and a save percentage of .930, I’d love to see Ortio play before he’s sent back to the AHL, but the chances aren’t likely.
Injuries include Karri Ramo with an MCL injury and Curtis Glencross with an ankle injury.
The Flames have a record of 21-28-7 while the Islanders are at 22-28-8, which means this should be a relatively well-matched game tonight.
Go Flames Go!