The Calgary Flames of the first two games of the season were the worst team in the NHL. Thankfully, that's just a two-game sample size, and the Flames have a chance to rebound in Vancouver against a mediocre Canucks team.
Up front the Flames seemingly have poor depth underneath a potent first line; however, it's worked in the reverse fashion over the first two games. Star Johnny Gaudreau has only one assist and is a pitiful -3, while depth winger Michael Frolik and 3rd-line centre Mikael Backlund are sitting at goal-per-game and point-per-game averages, respectively. In order to succeed in tonight's game, the Flames will need star-like turns from at least two of their top-four forwards in Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Sam Bennett, and Matthew Tkachuk.
The defense hasn't been much prettier. Mark Giordano, TJ Brodie, and Dougie Hamilton have all turned in average performances thus far. Jyrki Jokipakka looked very good in his first game in the lineup yesterday. Deryk Engelland has looked solid, if unspectacular. Who am I forgetting? I'd rather not say, I'd like to forget the performances of the other two defensemen who have appeared in the Flames' first two games.
The Flames' goaltending has thus far been... Hiller-esque. Brian Elliott is boasting an .818 SV% and a 5.08 GAA through his first two games, awful numbers for a two-time All-Star. I'd expect Elliott to sit tonight in favour of Chad Johnson, who should play his first game as a Flame.
Puck drop is at 8:00 tonight on Hockey Night in Canada. Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson should have the call. On the radio, you can catch the game as always on Sportsnet 960 The Fan, with Derek Wills and Peter Loubardias providing commentary.