As the Calgary Flames play the Los Angeles Kings tonight, they’ll be missing some faces. Jon Gillies has also been recalled from Stockton.
As the Calgary Flames play their final games of the season and they know they’re not making the playoffs, there may be less stress in these final games. But it’s still not fun to lose. They’ll be without some prominent faces as well.
Sean Monahan as we know is out for the remainder of the season as is Kris Versteeg. Matthew Tkachuk is also still day-to-day with an upper-body injury as is TJ Brodie. And now, Johnny Gaudreau yesterday has gone back home to Philadelphia to deal with a personal family matter. Best wishes to Gaudreau and his family right now. Gaudreau is one assist away from 60 would be the first time a Flame has gotten over 60 assists in a season since 1992-93 when Theo Fleury did it.
Only six players have 60+ assists in a season in Flames franchise history. If he’s out for the remainder of the season (we’re not sure at this point), then he’ll have to try to attain that feat another season.
Calgary Flames
EDIT: Just found out through the Flames Twitter that Gaudreau’s father suffered a cardiac arrest, best wishes and fast recovery to him.
Another big piece of news is David Rittich being sent down to Stockton and Jon Gillies being recalled. It was somewhat of a surprise, but Gillies will play backup tonight to Mike Smith against the LA Kings. I’m not sure if the Flames did that to give Gillies some more experience and for Rittich to help Stockton with this final push. The Flames have also burned the third of their four post-trade deadline recalls.
Some links surrounding the Flames
Flames shift focus internally but aren’t using the ‘S’ word (Calgary Sun).
Johnny Gaudreau to miss Flames’ next game due to family matter (Sportsnet).
FLAMES RECALL JON GILLIES FROM STOCKTON (Calgary Flames).
Some links surrounding hockey and the NHL
Home-ice advantage is crucial for the Penguins’ playoff hopes (FanSided).
Maple Leafs’ Nazem Kadri questions NHL playoff format (Sportsnet).
Rangers anxious for chance to see Andersson, Chytil play at NHL level (NHL.com).
Next: The case for trading prospects
That’s all in today’s Calgary Flames Daily!