[GDT] Lightning vs. Flames, 7 pm, SNF

[Cali Panthers Fan]

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.

“We played like a winless team tonight,” Cooper said following the game.

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!

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Cali Flames Fan

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.

Go Flames Go!

Raymond is scoring at the same pace as Stamkos right now. Definitely didn't see that coming.

[sureLoss]

Lightning may go with 11 forwards and 7 d if both Killorn isn't ready to play

Jooris did skate at yesterday's optional skate, so he is getting close to a return.

[Gaudfather]

Seems like there is a chance that Jooris may be ready to go tonite and therefore Gooch sits - should be a good game with both Jooris and Johnny buzzing around. Also Monahan is due to get off the schneid as well.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Lightning may go with 11 forwards and 7 d if both Killorn isn't ready to play

Jooris did skate at yesterday's optional skate, so he is getting close to a return.

Yup, didn't see any call ups, so they are likely hoping he's ok today and will take their chances. (Killorn)

Jooris is almost assuredly ready to go unless there was a setback after practice yesterday.

[Rick M.]

It will be interesting to see which line they slot Gaudreau in on.

[codynw]

THE PUCK WAS IN

[Hockey_Ninja]

Why Cali Flames Fan? Why did you have to post that picture

[Wastedyouth]

Gotta match the hell out of Gio and Brodie against Stamkos and hope the rest of the team can break even against an extremely solid bottom 9.

[PeteMoss]

Allow me to be the first to congratulate Drouin on his inevitable first career goal tonight.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Allow me to be the first to congratulate Drouin on his inevitable first career goal tonight.

Beat me to the punch. We have a history for giving players their first goal of their careers. At least score a beauty Drouin.

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by PeteMoss

Allow me to be the first to congratulate Drouin on his inevitable first career goal tonight.

Not if Ramo can help it!

[Prufrock]

I'm excited to see Drouin play in his second NHL game, I've been waiting to get a look at the kid in the NHL since his draft year. Very exciting prospect.

Anyway, the Lightning are still the enemy... Go Flames go!

[Igster]

Bolts didn't look very good at all against the Oilers last night. I don't think they are a very good team. Thought they would be faster as well. I predict the Flames blow them out tonight. 6-2.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Igster

Bolts didn't look very good at all against the Oilers last night. I don't think they are a very good team. Thought they would be faster as well. I predict the Flames blow them out tonight. 6-2.

They're a very good team, just didn't play that well. Bolts will be the class of the East when all is said and done IMO

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Igster

Bolts didn't look very good at all against the Oilers last night. I don't think they are a very good team. Thought they would be faster as well. I predict the Flames blow them out tonight. 6-2.

Yeah, it was an off-night for them and a very hungry Oilers team. A couple games ago they blew-out the Canadiens 7-1. They're good, just working on consistency early in the season.

[Loudog]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

They're a very good team, just didn't play that well. Bolts will be the class of the East when all is said and done IMO

I agree, The Bolts know how terrible they played last night, they are going to come out buzzing tonight. Will be a great game.

[Igster]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

They're a very good team, just didn't play that well. Bolts will be the class of the East when all is said and done IMO

Class of the East isn't saying much though.

[Poe969]

Just hold Stamkos to one goal or less

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Igster

Class of the East isn't saying much though.

The class of any league, conference, division etc. says plenty. They're going to finish as one of the top 2 teams in the conference and likely top 5 in the league. That means they're pretty damn good.