Flames vs. Ducks, 7 pm, SNW

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Spoiler tags for size

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Flames: 32-22-4, 68 points, 3rd in the Pacific, 7th in the West, 14th in NHL.

Ducks: 35-16-7, 77 points, 1st in the Pacific, 3rd in the West, 6th in NHL.

I’m still having trouble figuring Anaheim out. They really aren’t that great of a team stat-wise, yet they have been dominant this year. Oh ho! But not lately. Losers of 2 in a row and 3-6-1 in their last 10 has dropped them to…well, 8 points ahead of the 2nd place Canucks. They’re still good in 1-goal games, but they haven’t had many of those lately. Of the Ducks last 10 games, only 3 have been decided by 1 goal, and the Ducks are indeed 2-0-1 in those games. However, the other 7 games have been decided by an average of almost 3 goals a game, and the Ducks are 1-6-0 in those games. They’ve given up a lot of goals in their last 10, averaging 4.00 GA/G. Offensively challenged at times, they have still been scoring 2.50 GF/G, but obviously that isn’t good enough to overcome the porous defense. One would likely argue that it’s because Andersen is injured, but he’s only been out since Feb. 10, a string of 3 games. Compounding the issue now, they’ve lost Sami Vatanen for 4-6 weeks, and may be without Hampus Lindholm tonight as he nurses an ankle injury that kept him out of the last game. Despite those injuries, the Ducks still boast a lot of depth on the blue line. Not great depth, but capable all the same.

The offense has been stagnant at times of late. They haven’t managed more than 3 goals in the last 6 games, and their offensive leader and chief playmaker, Ryan Getzlaf, hasn’t scored a point in 4 games. That’s odd for someone who is a point-per-game player, but even more concerning is that he’s been held pointless in 7 of the last 10 games. The offensive load has shifted to Corey Perry, who has scored 9 points in the last 10 games, including 5 goals. Their regular linemate, Patrick Maroon, has gone ice cold, scoring just 1 point in his last 8 games. There’s also been little to no secondary scoring for the Ducks. Kesler, the team’s 3rd leading scorer is pointless in his last 5 games, and it doesn’t help that 21-goal man Matt Beleskey is out several weeks with an injury. This lack of top 6 production has forced the Ducks to do the unthinkable, put Rene Bourque on the top line. Yes, that’s how bad it’s been in Duck-land lately, when Bourque is the best option you have for 1st line left wing. This is a player who’s been in and out of the lineup and was getting around 11 minutes of ice a night, not to mention he’s only managed 2 points in his last 10 games. If that doesn’t spur the Glencross to Anaheim rumors even more, I don’t know what will.

So all the recent struggles aside, the Ducks are clearly the superior team to the Flames because they’re ahead by 9 points, right? I’m not so sure about that. I’ll just put up the numbers and let you fine educated people be the judge:

Regulation and Overtime Wins: Flames-29 (of 32), Ducks-28 (of 35)
Shootout wins: Flames-3, Ducks-7
OT/SOL: Flames-4, Ducks-7

That’s an extra 7 points just from shootout wins and loser points. Hardly dominant stuff, and not really a whole lot better than the Flames.

Ok skeptics, I hear you grumbling already. Need more proof? Fine. (bold for emphasis)

GF/G: Flames-2.84, Ducks-2.81
GA/G: Flames-2.57, Ducks-2.74
5 on 5 F/A ratio: Flames-1.06, Ducks-0.98
PP: Flames-17.5%, Ducks-17.7%
PK: Flames-79.8%, Ducks-81.3%
SF/G: Flames-27.2 , Ducks-30.0
SA/G: Flames-28.2, Ducks-29.1

In fact, despite the point difference in the standings, and our inexplicably horrible record in their building, if these two teams were to meet in the first round of the playoffs, I think it would be a surprisingly even series and one that Calgary could win. If I were a betting man, I’d put money on the underdog Flames. In fact, I would be sure to do that tonight.

Roster Notes: Smid is finally back skating with the team, but no timeline for his return yet. Paul Byron is out for at least a couple of games with a lower body injury. Markus Granlund was recalled to take his spot in the lineup, and David Wolf was returned to Adirondack. Sam Bennett’s status is still uncertain, and he’s almost ready to return to action, so look for a decision before the Flames begin their Eastern Conference road trip. There are also several rumors swirling around Curtis Glencross, as it looks as though he and the team are soon to part ways. Tonight could be his last home game for the Calgary Flames, so make sure you let him know how much you appreciated him if you’re at the game.

As mentioned above, the Ducks are without Andersen, Beleskey, Vatanan, and possibly Lindholm for the game tonight.


Flames
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bouma-Backlund-Jones
Glencross-Jooris-Raymond
Granlund-Stajan-Colborne

Brodie-Giordano
Russell-Wideman
Diaz-Engelland

Hiller


Ducks
Bourque-Getzlaf-Perry
Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg
Maroon-Rakell-Palmieri
Smith-Pelley-Thompson-Etem

Fowler-Beauchemin
Stoner-Lovejoy
Brewer-Manson

Gibson





Go Flames Go!!!

[playmaker]

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[ignite09]

Worried about this one. We don't play again 'till Tuesday, a loss tonight and we could be looking up at eighth place at the start of a rough road trip.

[Poe969]

Lousy ducks, you can't trust anyone from Cali......I mean thanks for the great write up!

The Flames will keep rolling tonight and get at least one point. It'll be close though.

[saillias]

Ducks Defense is a steaming pile of crap without Vatanen and Lindholm.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Ducks Defense is a steaming pile of crap without Vatanen and Lindholm.

I wouldn't say that. They just don't have a great second pairing, but that's a solid group. Better than a lot in the league.

[Puppet Guy]

u14T5wzicqw

[Finger Cookin]

Hope we continue the doldrums for the Ducks.

[mrkajz44]

I'm surprised the goal differential is that bad for the Ducks, they are actually 14th in the NHL at +6; hardly the dominant team that we think of them as. For comparison, 1st in the league is Nashville at +40 and the Flames are 10th at +18. Wondering if the Ducks have become more of a mind game than anything.

All I hope for is a strong first 10 minutes, then the rest of the game should take care of itself.

[You Need a Thneed]

Glencross with a Hat Trick tonight, driving up his trade value. He's traded immediately after the game to the Ducks, and Glencross has to change jerseys before coming out as one of the star selections.

The Ducks completely fall apart for the rest of the season, miss the playoffs, and their first rounder ends up winning the draft lottery. Thank goodness that pick was traded to the Flames for Glencross.

[foshizzle11]

Glencross with a Hat Trick tonight, driving up his trade value. He's traded immediately after the game to the Ducks, and Glencross has to change jerseys before coming out as one of the star selections.

The Ducks completely fall apart for the rest of the season, miss the playoffs, and their first rounder ends up winning the draft lottery. Thank goodness that pick was traded to the Flames for Glencross.


Thank you for the laughs, this would be incredible.

[Stealth22]

w48oh0oS-FU

[dissentowner]

We are going to win tonight, book it.

[Stealth22]

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/97992114/harveyducks.png

[Street Pharmacist]

Worried about this one. We don't play again 'till Tuesday, a loss tonight and we could be looking up at eighth place at the start of a rough rode trip.
Road. It's a... road. I just...

Sorry.

/pedant

[Rick M.]

Road. It's a... road. I just...

Sorry.

/pedant

No, the Flames are going on this road trip on horseback in honour of Curtis.

[foshizzle11]

I don't know what team will show up in the first. That will determine the outcome of the game. If we are tied or up in the first then I fully believe we can beat the ducks tonight. If we get down early again, no way we are coming back against this team.

I am on the fence for this game! It would be a great win but I'm not sure we pull this one out.

[flambers]

Tough game, if the Flames struggle in the 1st once again they will lose.

Key thing for the Flames they need a strong start.....

[RM14]

Road. It's a... road. I just...

Sorry.

/pedant

I LIKE THE word ROAD...BECAUSE YOU CAN SAY IT ROAD, OR ROWADD

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[Street Pharmacist]

We are going to win tonight, book it.
Phew. Booked. Thanks [emoji6]

[Vinny01]

Ducks are on a bit of a slide since Anderson went down. Good chance to jump on them before the long road trip. Flames should have some new faces when they return to the dome.

[Buff]

Glencross with a Hat Trick tonight, driving up his trade value. He's traded immediately after the game to the Ducks, and Glencross has to change jerseys before coming out as one of the star selections.

The Ducks completely fall apart for the rest of the season, miss the playoffs, and their first rounder ends up winning the draft lottery. Thank goodness that pick was traded to the Flames for Glencross.

And then everybody remembers Glencross as their most favorite Flame of all time, how he was 100% the hardest worker and had the most positive attitude shift in and shift out. All because he got them the lottery pick which is obivously McDavid.

Then they'll hate him when the Flames trade Monahan or Bennett to make room for the guy who didn't get traded because the guy who gets traded is too good for 3rd line center duties. This hate comes in spite of the Flames receiving a defenseman who will go on to win 4 Norris trophies as a Flame that compliment the 7 Stanley Cups, also won as a Flame.

This random dreaming as you type out your story thing is fun.

[troutman]

The Ducks have a +6 goal differential and are 20 games above .500. The Flames are +18 and 10.

How do you explain that? Have the Ducks been lucky? Are they over-rated?

[saillias]

And then everybody remembers Glencross as their most favorite Flame of all time, how he was 100% the hardest worker and had the most positive attitude shift in and shift out. All because he got them the lottery pick which is obivously McDavid.

Then they'll hate him when the Flames trade Monahan or Bennett to make room for the guy who didn't get traded because the guy who gets traded is too good for 3rd line center duties. This hate comes in spite of the Flames receiving a defenseman who will go on to win 4 Norris trophies as a Flame that compliment the 7 Stanley Cups, also won as a Flame.

This random dreaming as you type out your story thing is fun.

C'mon dude, we won't have to trade Monahan or Bennett because everyone will agree to massive hometown discounts, and all 4 centers will get exactly 15 min ice time.

[ForeverFlameFan]

The Ducks have a +6 goal differential and are 20 games above .500. The Flames are +18 and 10.

How do you explain that? Have the Ducks been lucky? Are they over-rated?

They play pretty good in 1 goal games. Probably a lot of luck, but they are a team that knows how to hold on when they have the lead.

[locsofblu]

We'll have 3 days off after this. We need a big win tonight.Go Flames Go!

[AC]

They play pretty good in 1 goal games. Probably a lot of luck, but they are a team that knows how to hold on when they have the lead.

I think they are perfect in regulation 1 goal games actually.

[jg13]

nvm

[genetic_phreek]

Today's not my birthday, it's not my first time going to a game, and it's not any special day for me but.......I'd still love a Flames win. C'mon boys!

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[sureLoss]

Huh? Extra forwards are typically dressed in green.

Roger Millions @RogMillions
Sam Bennett dressed in white on #Flames game day... Hmmmm

[getbak]

Bennett is wearing white at practice according to Roger Millions... Could this be the night?

[sureLoss]

Pat Steinberg @Fan960Steinberg
Curtis Glencross on the ice for the #Flames this morning.

[kyuss275]

They have not taken Bennett off of IR. They would need to send someone down. Don't see it happening.

[sureLoss]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
Bob Hartley just told @fan960lou and me that Markus Granlund will replace Josh Jooris at centre on #Flames 3rd line vs. #Ducks. #ANAvsCGY

[kyuss275]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
Bob Hartley just told @fan960lou and me that Markus Granlund will replace Josh Jooris at centre on #Flames 3rd line vs. #Ducks. #ANAvsCGY

Jooris sitting or being moved to wing?

[Street Pharmacist]

And Jooris replaces...

[sureLoss]

They have not taken Bennett off of IR. They would need to send someone down. Don't see it happening.

They can put Byron on IR to make room for him.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
Bob Hartley just told @fan960lou and me that Markus Granlund will replace Josh Jooris at centre on #Flames 3rd line vs. #Ducks. #ANAvsCGY

Yeah, but where does Bennet play then? ;)

[JJ1532]

I doubt it will happen, but it does make me a little excited. Maybe they are planning on putting Byron on the IR, activating Bennett and giving him the 7 game road trip, before returning him to Kingston after the Ottawa game.

[sureLoss]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
Expect LW Curtis Glencross to play on #Flames third line with C Markus Granlund and RW Mason Raymond vs. #Ducks tonight. #ANAvsCGY

[sureLoss]

Sounds like Jooris will be scratched.

[getbak]

Jooris sitting or being moved to wing?
Follow up...
Pat Steinberg ‏@Fan960Steinberg

Jooris sitting tonight. Granlund plays for the first time January 19th. #Flames


So, if Jooris is sitting for Granlund, and assuming Byron isn't able to go (and if he was in a walking cast yesterday, I'm going to assume he's not ready to go), that means it's down to either Bollig or Bennett as the final forward.

[sureLoss]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
#Flames projected lines vs. #Ducks:
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bouma-Backlund-Jones
Glencross-Granlund-Raymond
Bollig-Stajan-Colborne #ANAvsCGY

[kyuss275]

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
#Flames projected lines vs. #Ducks:
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Bouma-Backlund-Jones
Glencross-Granlund-Raymond
Bollig-Stajan-Colborne #ANAvsCGY


Would have rather had Jooris on the 4th line instead of Bollig.

[dino7c]

its interesting to me the Ducks are the class of the league stanley cup contender and they have 35 wins while the rebuilding Flames have 32

stupid 8 game losing streak we could really be turning heads right now

[getbak]

stupid 8 game losing streak we could really be turning heads right now
Yeah, if they could have gone 500 on that stretch (and at least 4 of the games were winnable), tonight's game could be for first in the Pacific instead of a dogfight just to stay in a playoff spot.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Would have rather had Jooris on the 4th line instead of Bollig.

We need some size against the Ducks tonight.

[sureLoss]

Jooris has been battling a wrist injury since December. Most likely trying to give him some recovery time.

[The Hendog]

We need some size against the Ducks tonight.

I would prefer Jooris's speed

[Finger Cookin]

Huh? Extra forwards are typically dressed in green.

Roger Millions @RogMillions
Sam Bennett dressed in white on #Flames game day... Hmmmm
The Flames are having fun trolling the media with Bennett's sweater.

[foshizzle11]

Flames are definitely trolling us right now! I am going to the game tonight and would lose my stuff if he is playing...I'll keep my fingers crossed for the rest of the day.

[sureLoss]

@Fan960Wills: #Ducks Head Coach Bruce Boudreau is going to break up Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry to start tonight's game vs. #Flames... (1/3)

@Fan960Wills: ...Boudreau said guys can get stale playing together, even #Capitals Nick Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin... (2/3)


@Fan960Wills: ...Boudreau also said the last time he split Getzlaf and Perry up it was only for one period. (3/3)

#Ducks #Flames #ANAvsCGY

[Robo]

i'm predicting the ducks play their best game of the season tonight but unfortunately for them so does Calgary. Calgary wins 5-4

[Psytic]

We will know by the end of the first period if we are winning this one. If they come out flat and spot another 2 goal lead, the Ducks will probably win. They are just as good as Minny at nursing a lead.

[dino7c]

We will know by the end of the first period if we are winning this one. If they come out flat and spot another 2 goal lead, the Ducks will probably win. They are just as good as Minny at nursing a lead.

lets hope so lol

[HelloHockeyFans]

Gibson has not been good since coming up to take the net from Andersen for some reason (he was great earlier in the year).

Calgary takes this 4-1.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Is Jooris anything?

[dammage79]

Huh? Extra forwards are typically dressed in green.

Roger Millions @RogMillions
Sam Bennett dressed in white on #Flames game day... Hmmmm

http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lh7irezXWE1qhxr17o1_400.gif

[Hatter]

Flames win 7-2. Engelland and Bollig both score, sending a collective shock through CP, only eclipsed when Glencross rips off his Flames jersey to reveal a Ducks one midway through the second period. Then he scores 2 :(

[foshizzle11]

Is Jooris anything?

what does this mean?

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

what does this mean?
What do you mean what does this mean?

[CsInMyBlood]

What do you mean what does this mean?

To his mouth or pants?

[CGY12]

Please get off to a good start for the sake of my blood pressure.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

To his mouth or pants?
Only if he's sick, then this must be established.

[AcGold]

First game I get to go to in years. Can't wait. Hope they win in spectacular fashion

[Banner]

Looks like the ducks haven't been playing well and after reading their GDT on HF everyone expects them to lose. Was pretty surprised at all the loss predictions from a team that wasn't Edmonton.

[Igster]

Please get off to a good start for the sake of my blood pressure.

Yup. A lead in this one would be nice. Just no more 2-0 or 3-0 come backs. My heart can't take it.

[heep223]

I DRIVE A SUBARU sorry just getting started a bit early

[Joborule]

Hopefully Flames can take advantage of a shaky Ducks team, rather than be the springboard for them to bounce back into form.

[IgiTang]

I've been away most of the season so this may have already been talked to death...

Is Sportsnet allowing ppv per game or is CI still my only legal option on the west coast?

If not... Damn, they need to get on that!

[zztim81]

Here is hoping for a epic flames win that is the start or a run to carry us into the playoffs!!

5-3 Flames!! and because its Western Night here is my little red Diesel B414 International Tractor (not too early is it?!):whistle:


http://www.tractorshed.com/gallery/tphotos/a31247.jpg

[FBI]

So my bday is on Sunday, since no games, does that mean a 6-3 win for us tonight or on Tuesday?

[Obsidian]

It would go a long way if we could get through the first period without getting scored on.

No early goals and no early deficits, please. May be a hard night against a pissed off Ducks team but you only make it harder if you don't come out ready to play.

[heep223]

I've been away most of the season so this may have already been talked to death...



Is Sportsnet allowing ppv per game or is CI still my only legal option on the west coast?



If not... Damn, they need to get on that!


No PPV my friend. It's either center ice/Game Center or nothing (or illegal options) if you're not in market.

[heep223]

I continue to wonder what is going on with Colborne. I didn't think he was playing badly but he's just getting pushed further and further down the depth chart. And haven't seen much discussion about it.

[jaikorven]

^^^ I have been wondering a bit about this as well.

[Heavy Jack]

I continue to wonder what is going on with Colborne. I didn't think he was playing badly but he's just getting pushed further and further down the depth chart. And haven't seen much discussion about it.

Im puzzeled a bit myself with this, he is still a +8 on the season and is sporting a repectable 0.5 PPG pace but he is definitely on a cold slump and seeing reduced minutes but the encouraging sign is there is definitely no lack of effort/care in his game. Joe is a proud player, he just needs to find his scoring touch while playing in a reduced role in order to start getting those extra minutes again. I still don't know why he doesn't play on the PP though, I'd throw him out strictly to just stand in front of the net and bang rebounds.

[Obsidian]

I don't understand the Colborne demotions, as I haven't seen decline in his play, other than production. He's still very noticeable in most games and doing a lot of good things. He one of our few guys that doesn't get pushed around along the boards.

It is pretty puzzling.

[Enoch Root]

It is truly puzzling

[Street Pharmacist]

Hartley is existing something from him he wasn't providing. I'm sure if we were party to discussions they've had we'd know

[Scornfire]

It's western night?!?! muahahaha. My cousin bought us tickets a while back and we had no idea. Keep an eye out for two guys in rodeo clown shirts

[getbak]

Crap, it's Western Night. Do they ever win on Western Night?

[Street Pharmacist]

Crap, it's Western Night. Do they ever win on Western Night?
Do they every lose?

[AC]

Crap, it's Western Night. Do they ever win on Western Night?

GWHSU-JHB0g

It's meant to be... Glenny had the hat-trick on Western Night before.

[Flame19,289]

I've been away most of the season so this may have already been talked to death...

Is Sportsnet allowing ppv per game or is CI still my only legal option on the west coast?

If not... Damn, they need to get on that!

Not sure if it's the same in Canada or not, but in the U.S., there is a free Center Ice preview this week on most cable networks. Today is the last day.

[RedMileDJ]

I won tickets to the game! Yahoo!

[getbak]

It's meant to be... Glenny had the hat-trick on Western Night before.
Well, there you go. I was out of town for that one, that's why I don't remember it.

It looks like Phaneuf's last game was also a Western Night game. Also a big win... followed by a big trade.

[IamNotKenKing]

We are going to win tonight, book it.

We're actually favoured. 1.87-1 vs. 1.95-1.

[foshizzle11]

Well, there you go. I was out of town for that one, that's why I don't remember it.

It looks like Phaneuf's last game was also a Western Night game. Also a big win... followed by a big trade.

That is an interesting stat. After listening to Burke talk on the radio today, it is just a matter of time before he gets moved and why not make it sooner rather than later!

Should be an interesting weekend.

[zyzz]

I predict a big game from Johnny. He looked pissed after that OT goal went off him and in

[stemit14]

I predict a big game from Johnny. He looked pissed after that OT goal went off him and in


Agreed. Johnny also seems like a player who gets motivated rather than down on himself so I could definitely see a big game tonight. He had an awesome game the other night against the wild and anything like that will be a difference maker.

[WhiteTiger]

Go Flames go!

[Mister Yamoto]

It's western night?!?! muahahaha. My cousin bought us tickets a while back and we had no idea. Keep an eye out for two guys in rodeo clown shirts

Maybe because it's Western Night George Canyon will sing the anthems.

[foshizzle11]

Another win against a western conference team would be huge!

This isn't a must win game IMO but would be great for the confidence.

I will be cheering hard from PL10 tonight!

[RedMileDJ]

Section 205. I have a Flames jersey on.

Come say hi!

[jayswin]

Section 205. I have a Flames jersey on.

Come say hi!

Oh you're that guy! As soon as I saw the Flames jersey in section 205. I thought "That's gotta be RedMileDJ". :D

[RedMileDJ]

Dude...I'm stoked...first Flames game for me this year, at the Dome.

[calumniate]

Cool to see Parros as an analyst and no mention of the oilers in the hockey central pregame!