Calgary Flames Daily: Important Pacific game, Kris Versteeg in the lineup
By Ramina Shlah
The Calgary Flames play a vital Pacific Division game tonight against the San Jose Sharks where Kris Versteeg will also return to the lineup after missing over three months.
After a strong 1-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday evening, the Calgary Flames will have to do it again tonight as they take on the San Jose Sharks. In an important division game with a lot riding on the line, the Flames are lucky to get Kris Versteeg back in the lineup after he missed 49 games.
However, Matthew Tkachuk is still day-to-day and we’re not sure when he’ll return to the lineup. He’s been a pivotal factor on the powerplay where he’s used as a screen and to deflect the pucks in when needed. But the return of Versteeg can still come in handy on the PP with his right-handed shot.
The Flames also have Mike Smith who was quite angry with the team. After Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders, he critiqued the team’s slow start. It’s a good thing he’s a vet and shows those leadership qualities because the guys took that to heart.
Related Story: Flames Daily - Kris Versteeg off IR
Via Calgary Sun:
"“There have been some squabbles, which is good, as it means guys are pushing each other on the bench,” said Gulutzan of the in-game information exchange.“There’s some good emotion there. You know you’re in a good spot when your guys are buddies and going out to eat at night, yet on the bench they’re getting a little bit heated, saying, ‘You’ve got to change quicker,’ and stuff like that.“You get that push from your top veteran guys, and that’s when your team is going to grow. When your players are the ones pulling and challenging and pushing, that’s good.“We’re a real close group in there. We’re a close team. When they go out for dinner at night they’re dividing up into who wants seafood and who wants pasta. They’re not dividing into cliques.”"
As for the Flames, they’ve used Jobu twice this season. Once in Anaheim to break that Honda Centre curse and the second time just the other night against the Oilers to help break their seven-game losing streak against the Oilers. And how have they fared? Not only have they won both games, but both games ended in a shutout.
The team decided they’re not taking any chances and are going to keep him.
Via Calgary Herald:
"“Whatever works, man,” said Flames forward Matt Stajan. “He’s helped us, so we’re leaving him in here.”"
Some links surrounding the Flames
Francis: Veterans get louder as Flames bench heats up (Calgary Sun).
Flames, Sharks meet up in another pivotal tilt (Calgary Herald).
Missed shots put a hole in Flames playoff hopes (Calgary Sun).
Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL
5 under the radar teams poised to make a run at the Stanley Cup (FanSided).
Stanley Cup Playoff clinching scenarios for March 16 (NHL.com).
PHWA to release all voting ballots after NHL Awards ceremony (Sportsnet).
Next: Flames upcoming six games extremely crucial
That’s all in today’s Calgary Flames Daily!