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Calgary Flames Daily: Game Day, 3M Line Continues to Shine

By Ramina Shlah |
Feb 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with right wing Michael Frolik (67) and center Mikael Backlund (11) after scoring a goal in the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates with right wing Michael Frolik (67) and center Mikael Backlund (11) after scoring a goal in the first period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning Calgary Flames fans and happy Sunday! Let’s take a look at news surrounding this team over the last day.

It’s an afternoon game for the Calgary Flames when they face the Carolina Hurricanes in an early afternoon game today. This game marks their fifth game in their five-game road trip. They’re 3-0-1 so far. Hopefully they can come out of this game with two points and have an extremely successful last-road-trip before trade deadline.

A bit of a weird stat, but the Flames are 2-4-0 in Sunday games this season, so let’s hope they can turn that around. These two teams have already met this season where the Hurricanes topped the Flames 4-2.

The Flames haven’t posted the projected lineups, but if I had to guess, the lineup will look fairly similar to the last two games. Micheal Ferland will probably stay on that top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.

I also think Chad Johnson will get the start in net tonight. After a killer 36-save performance to bring his team to a win over the Florida Panthers, he’ll most likely be between the pipes. He’s also 7-1-0 in his NHL career against the Hurricanes and has a 2.11 GAA and .930 save percentage.

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames /

Calgary Flames

Now let’s talk about my favorite trio.

3M line

The 3M line has undoubtedly been the Calgary Flames’ best and most consistent line since it’s been formed on October 25th. This is the line that consists of Michael Frolik, Mikael Backlund, and Matthew Tkachuk. It’s also because of this line that Tkachuk is even is now getting considered in conversations about the Calder trophy.

In the last five games where the Flames are 4-0-1, this line has a combined total of 17 points. Tkachuk also leads all Flames skaters with 6.14 points-per-60 minutes, 5.26 assists-per-60 minutes, five primary helpers, and six takeaways since Feb. 15, via Calgary Flames. Tkachuk is also second among rookies for assists, with 30.

I think I could spend hours talking about this line and how big of a factor they are for the Flames.

Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your morning

3M line leading the way during recent run (Calgary Flames).

Flames game day at Carolina Hurricanes (Calgary Herald).

Flames prospect report: Jankowski ‘knocking at the door’ (Sportsnet).

Expansion impacts Flames’ deadline decisions (The Hockey Writers).

Some other links surrounding hockey and the NHL

Last-minute NHL deals to be expected (Ottawa Sun).

NHL-highlights of Saturday’s NHL games (Yahoo Sports).

Vermette’s suspension upheld by Ducks (TSN).

Next: Dennis Wideman Willing to Waive No-Movement Clause

That’s all in this edition of Flames Daily! Let’s hope the Flames end their roadie with a bang.

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