The Calgary Flames head to the United Center tonight with Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks in fine form on home ice.
For the Chicago Blackhawks, their home loss to the New Jersey Devils a few days ago was only their second regulation loss at home this season.
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The Calgary Flames, on the other hand, have a patchy at best record on the road this year.
The first meeting last season saw the Calgary Flames’ net absolutely peppered with pucks; being out-shot 50-18 but only dropping the one goal, making for a 49 save game for goaltender Jonas Hiller and a ridiculous save percentage of .980 for the night.
One certainty is that Jonas Hiller won’t be getting the chance to repeat that night’s heroics; though whether it is another start for Karri Ramo or not is anyone’s guess. There’s every possibility Joni Ortio gets a start purely based on the seven straight games Ramo has been between the pipes.
With the Calgary Flames coming off a win in overtime over the Capitals, and the Chiacago Blackhawks, likewise, coming off a victory against the Blues; both teams go into the game with a degree of confidence.
The Calgary Flames will be hoping that these three players bring their ‘A-game’ against Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and company in Chicago.
Oct 28, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) makes a save on a shot from Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan (23) in the shootout at Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Flames 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Sean Monahan
The top line center notched two goals in the overtime win against Washington, including the game-winner, getting around the ice well and making his presence felt when called upon. The pair of goals brings his four-game tally to four goals and thirteen points overall for the season.
Whilst he, like many of his Calgary Flames team-mates doesn’t have the strongest plus/minus with a -6, he certainly contributes a lot to the Flames’ gameplay, opening up opportunities for his wingers.
If Monahan can continue his form, getting away shots and skating hard there’s every chance that Corey Crawford will see a puck whistle past him off Sean’s stick.
He is currently averaging just under four shots a game (over the past four games) and as stated one of these goes in each game, on average. Likewise, his faceoff wins are streaking of late in the mid-50s in terms of a percentage, so it’s not just shooting and goal-scoring that he’s been bringing to the table.
His all-round game seems is currently leading the team from the middle; if he’s playing well, generally his wingers are too. That’s three out of the six guys out there showing form if the one man is turning it on.
No pressure, Sean!
Nov 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sam Bennett (93) battles for the puck with Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bennett
As a young man, it’s got to be a lot of pressure to be thrown out there on the first line, especially when it’s guys like Kane, Toews and Crawford you’re facing; guys with not just one but multiple Stanley Cup rings.
For Sam Bennett though, I doubt this will prove an issue – his confidence seems to know no bounds. He is sitting on ten points in his last eight games; four goals and six assists, proving his value on the left-wing.
This is a player that hasn’t even reached his thirtieth NHL game, yet he already has sixteen points in the big league to his name. He was on hand to offer up an assist on Michael Frolik’s opening goal against the Capitals and will be looking to repeat it against Chicago.
Sam Bennett is one of the youngsters that are charged with taking the Calgary Flames forward, but already there are big expectations every time a star-studded side comes to town. The Blackhawks are one of those teams, and as such it’ll be on the shoulders of Bennett to show what he’s made of once more.
Nov 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Calgary Flames defenseman T.J. Brodie (7) shoots against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
T.J. Brodie
It’s no coincidence that the Calgary Flames form picked up somewhat upon T.J. Brodie’s return from injury. The defenceman leads by example at the back, possibly joining the rush a little too often but generally reaping the rewards.
Against the firepower of the Washington Capitals, he led the team in blocks, showing off the defensive side of his game. Equally, he along with Micheal Ferland led the team in shots, showing off that attacking side.
Brodie has always been seen by the Calgary Flames as a player offering up equal parts offense to defense and he’ll need to ensure he walks that line perfectly to ensure a strong result in Chicago.
The only big concern is that he isn’t affected by fatigue, having spent almost thirty minutes on the ice against Washington. Having Saturday off is going to have worked to the Calgary Flames’ advantage, so hopefully not.
Next: Calgary Flames Rumors: Duchene for Giordano?
All statistics courtesy of NHL.com.
Is there another Calgary Flames player we should be seeking a big night out of? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.