[GDT] Flames vs. the Columbus Injured Team (6:30 PM on SN 360)

[TheScorpion]

Go Flames, let's hope they can gain some ground on VGK and the Oilers.

Peep the CBJ injured list, it's honestly absurd.

Note: this is a national game and will be on SN360, SNE, SNW, and SNO. Not Pacific. As always it's also on 960.

Lines based on Tuesday practice units.

Calgary Flames
34-26-7, 75 points, 3rd in Pacific Division

#19 Matthew Tkachuk - #11 Mikael Backlund - #88 Andrew Mangiapane
#13 Johnny Gaudreau - #23 Sean Monahan - #93 Sam Bennett
#17 Milan Lucic - #10 Derek Ryan - #29 Dillon Dube
#36 Zac Rinaldo - #77 Mark Jankowski - #16 Tobias Rieder

#5 Mark Giordano - #7 TJ Brodie
#55 Noah Hanifin - #4 Rasmus Andersson
#20 Derek Forbort - #56 Erik Gustafsson

#39 Cam Talbot (confirmed)

Likely scratches: #26 Michael Stone, #56 Oliver Kylington
Potentially a game-time decision: #28 Elias Lindholm (absent at practice)
Injured: #8 Juuso Valimaki (knee), #24 Travis Hamonic (undisclosed)

Columbus Blue Jackets
32-21-14, 78 points, 5th in Metropolitan Division (2nd WC)

#14 Gustav Nyquist - #38 Boone Jenner - #71 Nick Foligno
#10 Alexander Wennberg - #18 Pierre-Luc Dubois - #52 Emil Bemstrom
#11 Kevin Stenlund - #20 Riley Nash - #50 Eric Robinson
#15 Jakob Lilja - #74 Devin Shore - #23 Stefan Matteau

#44 Vladislav Gavrikov - #58 David Savard
#8 Zach Werenski - #27 Ryan Murray
#4 Scott Harrington - #2 Andrew Peeke

#72 Joonas Korpisalo (unconfirmed)
#80 Matiss Kivlenieks

Likely scratches: #49 Ryan MacInnis, #53 Gabriel Carlsson, #65 Markus Nutivaara
Injured: #3 Seth Jones (ankle), #13 Cam Atkinson (ankle), #14 Dean Kukan (knee), #17 Brandon Dubinsky (wrist), #24 Nathan Gerbe (undisclosed), #28 Oliver Bjorkstrand (ankle), #42 Alexandre Texier (back), #77 Josh Anderson (shoulder), #90 Elvis Merzlikins (concussion)

Hot and Cold:

- Mikael Backlund has 9 goals and 19 points in his last 13 games
- David Rittich has not won a start at home since December 12
- Dillon Dube has not scored a goal in 12 games
- Andrew Mangiapane has 7 goals in his last 7 games

- Pierre-Luc Dubois has 1 goal and 5 points in his last 14 games
- Emil Bemstrom has 4 goals in his last 5 games, including 2 GWG
- Riley Nash has 1 goal and 3 points in his last 19 games

[fire_starter]

Go flams!

[Dion]

A must win for the Flames due to all the injuries on the Jackets roster. They also need to better on home ice as 11 of their last 15 games are at home.

Talbot should be getting the start after his shutout against the Panthers.

[Manhattanboy]

Early GDT + yours truly IN client box = Flames WIN.

[WhiteTiger]

Go Flames go!

[FireGilbert]

Go Flames Go!

What’s the deal with the early start? Hopefully the Flames think they are still out east on the road.

[Rick M.]

Go Flames Go!

[foofighter15]

Great OP Scorp

I really liked the way the boys played on that road trip. If that's a sign of what the stretch run will be I like the looks of our deep playoffs hopes.

Go Flames Go!

[bubbsy]

First game after a lengthy road trip. Is this still the same Meh team or are they going to find the next gear to get things going at the right time of year?

Curious to find out.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Tortorella is the best coach in the league. They’ve been missing half the team, including star players and their starting goalie most of the season. Sitting in a wildcard spot. Only team in the east near a playoff spot with a negative goal differential.

Battle of the negative goal differentials (only two teams in the league in the negatives in a playoff spot.

[DuffMan]

looking at the standings and the games remaining, and is time to buckle down. Every game counts. It's go time mfers.

[Tsawwassen]

Pregame links
http://sportsstats.cbc.ca/hockey/nhl...ummary_12.html
http://sportsstats.cbc.ca/hockey/nhl...review_12.html
https://scores.nbcsports.com/nhl/pre...&home=3&vis=29

[tvp2003]

Let’s face it, every game seems like a must win right now. I like it.

Start on time, get pucks deep, play our game, and pick up a big two points.

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Battle of the negative goal differentials (only two teams in the league in the negatives in a playoff spot.

Final score: Flames -2, Blue Jackets -5

GFG!

[mdubz]

I look forward to watching the flames play down to the level of this injured team and barely squeak out a win.

[foshizzle11]

Yup, we are a bit behind the Knights and Oilers now, need to get on a bit of a hot streak for sure. Build off that road trip and come out with a huge win! I hope Lindy is back in and isn't injured after missing practice, but if he is missing this game I hope it give Benny the opportunity to continue is solid play with better line mates.

Make it happen Flames, 5-2 win, Rittich shuts the door tonight (if he is indeed in net) and our PP clicks with Gus having a great night and multiple points. I like what I see so far from him.

[Burner]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Tortorella is the best coach in the league. They’ve been missing half the team, including star players and their starting goalie most of the season. Sitting in a wildcard spot. Only team in the east near a playoff spot with a negative goal differential.

Battle of the negative goal differentials (only two teams in the league in the negatives in a playoff spot.

please add green font....

[GioforPM]

Nope, I agree on Torts - one of, if not the best coach, especially at getting maximum results from less than stellar teams. I disliked him in TB, hated him in Vancouver, but I just can’t ignore his results. Plus his players seem to love him, despite his gruff demeanour (in fact I think his grouchiness is for media, which players love).

[Rejean31]

Talbot really should be getting this start!!

[Burning Beard]

Go Flames Go!

[MrMike]

Go Flames Go