[GDT] Flames @ Flyers. 5:30 MT. SN-W

[sureLoss]

From nhl.com:

SEASON SERIES: The Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers will go head-to-head twice this season, with Sunday's game opening the 2016-17 season series. The Flyers will make a stop in Calgary on Feb. 15, 2017 to wrap up this year's series. In 2015-16, the Flames had a 1-1-0 record against the Flyers. Their win last season came on Nov. 5, 2015 at the Scotiabank Saddledome with Mikael Backlund scoring the game-winner in overtime. Backlund, Michael Frolik and Johnny Gaudreau each had two points against the Flyers last season, leading all Flames skaters. Claude Giroux's five points against the Flames led all skaters in the 2015-16 season set.

FLAMES TEAM SCOPE: The Flames are in the midst of a very successful road swing, going 3-1-0 in their first four skates in the six-game trip. They are coming off a 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins on Friday. Sam Bennett had a goal and an assist in Boston and Chad Johnson made 35 saves in the victory. Forward Kris Versteeg could return to the lineup on Sunday after missing's Friday's game with an undisclosed injury. If he's unable to play, the Flames could slide Hunter Shinkaruk or Mark Janowski into the lineup. Versteeg did participate in practice on Saturday but head coach Glen Gulutzan said he will be a game-time decision on Sunday night.

FLYERS TEAM SCOPE: Goaltender Anthony Stolarz is expected to make his NHL debut on Sunday. If he does get the nod in net, he will become the first New Jersey-born goalie to play in the NHL. Stolarz, who was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft, was recalled on Nov. 14 when Michal Neuvirth suffered a knee injury. In eight games with the Lehigh Valley Flyers, Philadelphia's AHL affiliate, Stolarz has a 6-2-0 record with a 2.39 GAA and a .927 save percentage. With a 9-10-3 record and 21 points on the year, the Flyers are sixth in the Metropolitan Division and three points back of the New Jersey Devils, who have the second Wildcard spot in the East. Wayne Simmonds leads the Flyers in scoring with 10 goals and 19 points in 22 games. Captain Claude Giroux trails him with four goals and 18 points.

Roger Millions @RogMillions
Mark Jankowski says he doesn't know if he will be playing tonight or not. #Flames

Derek Wills @Fan960Wills
Good news...Kris Versteeg will return to #Flames line-up vs. #Flyers tonight. #CGYvsPHI

Calgary Flames @NHLFlames
"I'm ready to go ... I feel great." - Kris Versteeg

[kyuss275]

Doubt Janko plays tonight. Have to think Hunter goes to press box now that Versteeg is back in. If Hamilton faulters tonight, maybe we see Janko in for next game. Right now the only player i see Janko sliding in for is Hamilton. Hunter should be sent back after tonights game.

[You Need a Thneed]

I don't know why the NHL schedules Canadian teams to play at the same time as the grey cup.

It used to never happen, but I think it started last year.

[You Need a Thneed]

That being said- Flames win 37-12.

Stamps win a close one, 4-3.

[Toonage]

Ease Jankowski into the lineup, if at all, during his time up. Probably plays against NYI. Glad Versteeg is back in tonight. No idea who this Flyer's goalie is or how he will perform in his first NHL start. Should be a fun game to watch.

[zukes]

Stolarz was pretty good in London, I'm interested to see how he does in the NHL. Opposing player debuts and slumps always seem to go against the Flames, but I am sure every team says that. I think it's more of the same, Flames play a tough, tight game...and luck is on their side 4-2 with them finally scoring into the empty.

[locsofblu]

Why call up Janko to not play him. Send him back to AHL then and call him back up when you plan on using him. Is this just a reward for him because he's playing so well in Stockton?" Hey Mark why don't you come up with the big club hang out for a while just for ####s and giggles."

[Gaskal]

Originally Posted by locsofblu

Why call up Janko to not play him. Send him back to AHL then and call him back up when you plan on using him. Is this just a reward for him because he's playing so well in Stockton?" Hey Mark why don't you come up with the big club hang out for a while just for ####s and giggles."

Because the team is winning right now. What are you gonna do as Gulutzan? He's not likely to go up to Freddie or Stajan and say "Hey bud, I know you been playing decent and all and we're winning games, but I'm gonna need you to sub off here so we can put Janko in just so we can see how he does".

With the team so precariously hanging in there in the standings, they don't want to put Jankowski into a game yet unless someone really flubs and subs out. Also, Gulutzan will want to make sure he's up to speed with how Calgary plays before putting him in the lineup at all.

[cznTiburon]

Originally Posted by locsofblu

Why call up Janko to not play him. Send him back to AHL then and call him back up when you plan on using him. Is this just a reward for him because he's playing so well in Stockton?" Hey Mark why don't you come up with the big club hang out for a while just for ####s and giggles."

Because they're on the East coast and weren't sure whether or not Versteeg was badly hurt or if there are other injuries. Why put him out there against the Bruins when he had just flown and while I am excited to see him play Versteeg gives them a better chance to win then seeing Janko play 8 minutes replacing F. Hamilton. If they don't need him why not let him finish the trip with the big club and then send him back when they get back to the West. Him missing 2 games in Stockton won't hurt him but him being up here with the big club meshing with the team and seeing what it's like will definitely help him

[Puppet Guy]

That Darn Puppet knows it's important to start the day with a good breakfast: coffee and a fresh bagel, generously seasoned with some "Philly":

Spoiler!

(artistic credit to Mrs. Puppet for the suggestion)

Go Flames

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

Because the team is winning right now. What are you gonna do as Gulutzan? He's not likely to go up to Freddie or Stajan and say "Hey bud, I know you been playing decent and all and we're winning games, but I'm gonna need you to sub off here so we can put Janko in just so we can see how he does".

With the team so precariously hanging in there in the standings, they don't want to put Jankowski into a game yet unless someone really flubs and subs out. Also, Gulutzan will want to make sure he's up to speed with how Calgary plays before putting him in the lineup at all.

Because Calgary can't score, Hamilton has contributed nothing to that, and they just called up their ahl leading scorer. If you think scoring 1.6 goals per game is a winning formula, then I guess you don't change it

[Philly06Cup]

Go Team!

[dash_pinched]

Originally Posted by You Need a Thneed

That being said- Flames win 37-12.

Stamps win a close one, 4-3.

Maver with the rouge in the dying seconds.

[DJones]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

Because the team is winning right now. What are you gonna do as Gulutzan? He's not likely to go up to Freddie or Stajan and say "Hey bud, I know you been playing decent and all and we're winning games, but I'm gonna need you to sub off here so we can put Janko in just so we can see how he does".

With the team so precariously hanging in there in the standings, they don't want to put Jankowski into a game yet unless someone really flubs and subs out. Also, Gulutzan will want to make sure he's up to speed with how Calgary plays before putting him in the lineup at all.

Call up Vey or someone else to sit in the box then. He missed last nights game for nothing

[TheIronMaiden]

The Flames are starting to find some consistency. Still, the Flames need to find the back of the net more. I wouldn't hate seeing them shuffle players in and out for this game. But in reality I don't see how putting AHL players in the line up will help.

That said I would love to be wrong.

[cznTiburon]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Because Calgary can't score, Hamilton has contributed nothing to that, and they just called up their ahl leading scorer. If you think scoring 1.6 goals per game is a winning formula, then I guess you don't change it

It really doesn't matter what the formula is. If 1.6 goals is winning games then yes that is the winning formula and right now it is working.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by locsofblu

Is this just a reward for him because he's playing so well in Stockton?" Hey Mark why don't you come up with the big club hang out for a while just for ####s and giggles."

Yup, I think that's exactly how the conversation went down.

[Kavvy]

GO STAMPS GO

wait.... there are other sports on today?

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by DJones

Call up Vey or someone else to sit in the box then. He missed last nights game for nothing

Practicing & traveling with the NHL team, and watching a few games from the press-box is not "nothing" for a player in Jankowski's position/age. The pay raise isn't so bad either.

I wouldn't want them to make a habit out of sitting him in the press-box, but I have no reason to believe that they will. He probably plays tomorrow against the Islanders, and then is sent back to Stockton.

[442scotty]

Freddie H isn't really doing a whole lot... time to ease Janko into his spot then upwards from there