Good morning Calgary Flames fans! It’s game day tonight for the second last time of the regular season. Let’s check out some Flames news.
The Calgary Flames will continue their California road trip tonight when they play the Los Angeles Kings. This is the second last game of the regular season for the Flames (sad face). Well, normally it’d be sad, but then we have playoffs to look forward to! And the Flames are actually in it this year for just the second time in eight seasons!
Since the team has already clinched a playoff spot and now there’s no way they’re going to end up in the Pacific Division, they know they’re stuck in the wildcard spot, so there’s a bit of a weight off their shoulders. Which means we may be seeing some new faces this week.
With the injury to Chad Johnson early in the game against the Anaheim Ducks, the Flames have recalled Jon Gillies from the Stockton Heat to cover for him. The Flames have said that Gillies will most likely make his NHL debut sometime this week. The team hasn’t posted a projected lineup for tonight yet, which means we’re not sure if it’ll be tonight for on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks.
Calgary Flames
Via Calgaryflames.com:
"“I think that I’m pretty lucky to have such a special group of people, a core group of people around that have supported me since day one. I think that it will be pretty special for them if it happens.” Gillies told Flames media.“It will be a pretty cool day for my family. They’ve sacrificed a lot to get me to where I am so I think that will be the most special for me.”"
However, somebody we know for sure who will be making his way into the lineup tonight again will be Curtis Lazar. Lazar was acquired from the Ottawa Senators in a trade deadline day trade. He has played twice with the Flames and has one assist.
Via Calgaryflames.com:
"“Patience,” he grinned, “is the word of the past couple months for myself. Just try and wait my turn and all that. The guys have been doing a great job and I feel I’m ready for that next step, to step in the lineup here.“I’ve got my feet wet but I can build off of my game and I’m looking forward to doing that, starting tomorrow.”“The guys have been great. I’ve been doing a lot of work on the ice with the coaching staff and also watching a lot off the ice. It’s helped me out a lot. In saying that, there’s no better feeling than playing games.”"
Some links surrounding the Flames to get you through your day
The final two games will dictate who Calgary plays in the first round (Flames Nation).
Gillies expected to make NHL debut this week (Calgary Flames).
Calgary Flames prospect Adam Fox aims to cap fairytale season with title at NCAA’s Frozen Four (Calgary Herald).
With Flames playoff hockey comes increase in fraudulent ticket sales (Calgary Herald).
Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Worst teams in NHL history: Top 5 (Puck Prose).
Fehr: Players won’t forget NHL’s ‘shortsighted’ Olympic call (Sportsnet).
Russia wants players back in KHL for Pyeongchang Olympics (CBC Sports).
Two Eastern Conference playoff series set (NHL.com).
Next: How will the Flames fare against the Blackhawks?
That’s all in this edition of Flames Daily! Let’s hope the Flames can come out with a win tonight.