Never Forget
First of all, I need Big Brodie Fan to get a message to T.J. Brodie: "smile more often". The kid looks glum in almost every picture.
The Lightning began their Western Conference road trip doing the opposite of what was expected, losing to the Edmonton Oilers of all teams. Sure they beat Vancouver, but losing to Edmonton is embarrassing no matter what the circumstances, so they are likely going to be ready to go tonight despite the back-to-back games.
Quote:
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“We played like a winless team tonight,” Cooper said following the game.
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The Lightning are a deep and talented team, but they are now missing some very key players. Victor Hedman and Radko Gudas are already out on the back end, and Ryan Callahan left the game last night and his status is unknown for today's game. Alex Killorn was also a late scratch last night and is unlikely to play today. This allowed Jonathan Drouin to make his season debut after a short conditioning stint in the AHL. Drouin didn't factor in the scoring in a major way, but that's to be expected after being thrust in the lineup at the last second. They still have Stamkos, however, and as long as he's on the ice they are a dangerous offensive team. Stralman has been a pleasant surprise on defense, with 4 points and a +4 in 6 games. Not bad for a Ranger cast off who's bounced around the league. Bishop has been as advertised posting very respectable numbers, but Nabokov has been solid too in his new role as a backup. It's very likely the Flames will see Nabokov tonight in the 2nd night of back-to-backs.
The Flames had an off-day yesterday after a long and busy road trip where they fared better than anyone would have imagined, going 4-2 with a couple of key overtime/shootout wins in Nashville and Chicago. T.J. Brodie should have a little extra jump in his step after signing a 5 year contract extension with the Flames, making him a key building block for the rest of the team to be built around. He's been nothing but exceptional to start the year, leading the team in points and plus/minus, and driving the play whenever he's on the ice. Mason Raymond is also quietly co-leading the team in scoring with 7 points in 7 games…and 5 goals already to start the year.
I don't think any of us saw that coming. His chemistry with Colborne has been excellent so far, and Gaudreau was the beneficiary of that the other night, scoring his first of the season after being a healthy scratch for likely the first time in his career. All the Flames need now is for Monahan to start producing and they'll have a dangerous offensive attack. For now, the team will rely on Ramo and Hiller to to carry on their strong play to start the year. With Hiller playing last game, Ramo will likely slot in tonight. Josh Jooris is still nursing an upper body injury and is possibly able to play tonight, but will likely be a game time decision.
Lineups are guesses at this point.
Flames
Hudler-Monahan-Jooris
Glencross-Backlund-Byron
Raymond-Colborne-Gaudreau
Bollig-Stajan-McGrattan
Giordano-Brodie
Russell-Wideman
Smid-
Diaz Engelland
Ramo
Lightning
Palat-Stamkos-Johnson
Killorn(?)-Filppula-Brown
Drouin-Boyle-Kucherov
Morrow-Namestnikov-Connolly
Stralman-Carle
Garrison-Brewer
Sustr-Barberio
Nabokov
Go Flames Go!