Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Quick story:
When I saw the Calgary Flames play for the very first time live, at the Saddledome, they played against the San Jose Sharks. It was a significant game because not only was it my first live game, it was also the night that the Sharks kicked the Flames out of a playoff spot. Needless to say, I harbor hard feelings against them even after all these years.
But…
Because Patrick Marleau is from around the area where I grew up and Todd McLellan coached my hometown WHL team for a while (and did a heck of a job at it!), I can’t help but have a soft spot for the Sharks though, even as the hard feelings linger in the back of my mind. When you throw in the natural talents of Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl, I can’t help but respect a team that has long been a thorn in my side.
Onto the real story…
The Calgary Flames are hosting the San Jose Sharks tonight. I think it’s safe to say that this will probably not end up like Saturday night’s game, being an 8-1 blowout for Calgary – but we can always hope.
It’s with conflicting feelings that I say, the Sharks are fighting to clinch a playoff spot now as they hold onto first place in the Pacific Division, and third place overall in the standings with 100 points.
Patrick Marleau, who once played for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL, has accumulated 62 points in 72 games this season. With two goals and one assist in his last five games, he shows no signs of slowing down.
But, with Paul Byron getting progressively better throughout this season, Curtis Glencross returning to the line-up, and Mike Cammalleri on a point streak, the Sharks will need to beef up their defense in hopes of holding off some recently effective offensive play by the Flames.
Curtis Glencross earned a hat trick in the game against the Oilers on the weekend. Mike Cammalleri has 10 goals since the trade deadline at the beginning of the month. He’s also earned 6 assists that have given him a total of 16 points in 11 games.
With the heart, the effort, and the go-get-em attitude that the Flames have possessed lately, San Jose will have to keep their guard up because Calgary will not make this easy. You can read the entire pregame write up on the Sharks website. Calgary’s projected lines can be found on the Flames website as well.
Puck drop is at 7pm MST and will be broadcast on SportsNet West or on The Fan 960 radio.
Go Flames Go!