Flames vs. Blues: Five things to watch

The 2-2-1 St. Louis Blues are in town. Can the Flames find the back of the net enough times to earn Jacob Markstrom a W? If you’re a Flames fan brave enough to tune in this evening, here are five things to keep your eyes on.

1. Ilya Solovyov will make his Calgary Flames debut

The 23-year-old defenceman impressed in training camp, is off to a great start with the Wranglers, and was recalled to the big club in advance of tonight’s game. Expect Solyvov to draw into the lineup to replace Jordan Oesterle.

With Solovyov in, the Calgary Flames will have two Belarusian players in the lineup simultaneously for the first time ever (it actually might be the first time any NHL team has dressed two Belarusians in the same game). Solovyov will join fellow countryman Yegor Sharangovich.

Look out for sweater number 98, Ilya Solovyov.

Considering Rasmus Andersson has only served half of his suspension, Dennis Gilbert will stay in the Flames lineup and the D pairs may look something like this:

Hanifin – Weegar
Gilbert – Tanev
Solovyov – Zadorov

Note: Shortly after publishing, Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg confirmed the following D pairs:

Hanifin – Weegar
Solovyov – Tanev
Zadorov – Gilbert

It’s great to see a younger player get the nod so early in the season, but I hope these D pairings aren’t picked apart by the Blues.

2. Forward lines with Adam Ruzicka’s absence

After taking a hit from Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey on Tuesday, which absolutely should have been a boarding penalty, Flames forward Adam Ruzicka was forced to exit the game early and it appears he’ll be out of the Flames lineup this evening. Fortunately, we should expect a return soon, as Rozey has participated in skates and it doesn’t appear as though the Flames are dealing with a long-term injury to a forward who’s been productive for the squad so far this season.

Without line rushes at was an optional morning skate for the Flames, we’ll have to wait for warm-ups to get a sense of the forward lines, but be on the lookout for more new combos, as we’ll see both Dryden Hunt and A.J. Greer dressed together for the first time.

Note: Shortly after publishing, Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg confirmed the following D pairs:

3. Nazem Kadri – find the net or ride the pine

Far from a fan favourite as of late, let’s see if Kadri is capable of getting on the scoresheet for what would be just the second time this season. He’s a dash-eight, only has one assist to go with a big fat bagel he’s storing in the goal column, and has to start producing if the Flames want to accomplish literally anything this season.

Kadri’s been firing pucks, though. According to MoneyPuck, Kadri holds a team-worst -2.4 goals above expected (2.4 goals below expected) with 48 shot attempts – 22 on net, 14 high or wide, and 12 blocked. Yes, 38.9% of Kadri’s unblocked shots have missed the net.

In short, Kadri needs to hit the six-by-four-foot target on high and medium danger opportunities, and he needs to generate offence by using his teammates as options if he doesn’t have a shooting lane.

I know my critique of Kadri might sound harsh, but it’s the truth – he’s here to produce and the Flames can’t afford 91 to be a liability every time he touches the ice.

4. Can the Flames put in a full 60 for Jacob Markstrom?

Markstrom’s been pretty good to start the season and I wouldn’t argue with those calling him the best Flame thus far. He’s given the Flames chances to win, but it’s on the skaters to show up for three full periods in front of him.

Fans are tired of excuses and, although I can’t say for certain, Markstrom would probably prefer to actually win again this season over a tap on the pads and a soft-spoken, “Sorry, Marky, we’ll get ’em next time!”

The Calgary Flames have not yet shown up consistently for a full hockey game. They looked good in the first frame against New York and lost due to poor pace and execution in the second before trying to battle back in the third.

If you don’t have elite scoring, don’t bet on a third period come back. Get on the board early (ideally more than once) and lock it down with more goals and at the very least a consistent effort for the remainder of the game. It’s only 60 minutes…

5. Joel Hofer to start in goal for the St. Louis Blues

Just like the Flames love having rookies and former Flames score against them, they also seem to struggle against unknown goaltenders. Joel Hofer will be in goal for the St. Louis Blues.

The 23-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba has played once this season, allowing six goals by the Arizona Coyotes. Including his single start in 2023-24, Hofer has played nine NHL games, recording four wins, five losses, a 3.52 goals against average, and a save percentage of .893.

Will the Flames make Hofer look like a brick wall or will they expose the inexperienced netminder by filling the cage behind him. I tend to root for the underdog, especially a young goalie, but in this case, my fingers are crossed for the latter. If the Flames cannot figure out how to beat Hofer multiple times, their inability to score goals might be even more concerning than we thought.

Puck drop is set for just after 7:00pm MT.