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Set-up notes
The Coyotes will likely welcome back a couple of key pieces in Calgary. C Martin Hanzal and G Mike Smith — that’s their top-line pivot and go-to goaltender — are both oh-so-close to returning from lower-body injuries. Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett characterized both as game-day decisions for Wednesday but it’s worth noting that C/LW Christian Dvorak and G Justin Peters have been assigned to AHL Tucson, clearing space on the active roster. That’s a strong hint Hanzal and Smith will both be activated from injured reserve and be in action at the Saddledome … Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan mixed up his defence duos ahead of Tuesday’s road date in Minnesota, pairing D Mark Giordano with D Dougie Hamilton and putting D TJ Brodie with D Dennis Wideman. “For me, it’s about balance,” Gulutzan explained. “Gio and Brodes can handle minutes but the reality is you can’t get the matchups every night that you want. We need balance from all the pairs.” Gulutzan, who reunited D Deryk Engelland and D Brett Kulak on the third tandem, is a fan of left/right-shot pairs. “I think it helps you spread the ice out,” he said. “It helps you play quicker and spreads the ice out in the offensive zone and through the neutral zone” … The Coyotes won four of five dates with the Flames last season, including victories in both trips to Calgary. Prior to the 2015-16 campaign, the Desert Dogs had suffered eight straight losses at the Saddledome … With six goals and a dozen points in 14 career meetings, Flames C Sean Monahan has been more productive against the Coyotes than any other outfit.
Injuries
Flames: LW Johnny Gaudreau exited early in Minnesota and his status is uncertain. LW Lance Bouma (shoulder) and RW Kris Versteeg (groin) are out. Coyotes: C Martin Hanzal (lower body) and G Mike Smith (lower body) are likely to return. C Dave Bolland (lower body) is out
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http://calgaryherald.com/sports/hock...rizona-coyotes
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Kristen Odland
@Kristen_Odland
Flames lose Gaudreau (for who knows how long) in a 1-0 win in Minnesota, snapping four-game losing streak...
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Seems like the team plays much better on the road lately, lets hope they can carry the good mojo from yesterday and get a W on home ice.
Both teams are struggling right now, I'm going to say 3-1 Flames.
Lets go Pickles!