[GDT] Flames vs. Canadiens, 7 pm, SN-F

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Welcome back Paul.

Flames: 2-7-1, 6th in Pacific, 13th in West, 27th in NHL.

Canadiens: 9-2-0, 1st in Atlantic, 1st in East, 1st in NHL.


The Flames return home to the 'dome following a rough 3 game road trip out East. Following two uninspiring games against the New York teams that saw them outscored 8-1, the Flames managed to finally score some goals against a struggling Ottawa team. Unfortunately, they forgot to play defense, allowing quite a few goals of their own (a common theme so far this year) and ended up falling 5-4 in a shootout. Jonas Hiller also went down with an injury, and is out day to day. Karri Ramo was recalled to replace him on the roster, and Jakub Nakladal was returned to Stockton. It hasn't been talked about much, but Micheal Ferland was placed on IR week to week with a sprained MCL.

It wasn't all bad news. T.J. Brodie made his return to the lineup and instantly gave the team a shot in the arm. He looked calm and poised all night, giving the team a new look from the back end. Sam Bennett scored his first regular season goal, and Dougie Hamilton had a strong night both defensively and offensively. The team still struggled at times, but overall had an incredibly strong performance against the Sens. A couple of defensive breakdowns and some below average goaltending were the only reasons for a loss in that game.

So the Flames are still a work in progress, but at least they are trending in the right direction. That's good news because they will face an extremely tough test in the league leading Montreal Canadiens. They got off to a torrid pace early, going 9-0-0, but have dropped two straight to the Western Canadian teams. Vancouver had plenty of lucky goals in a weird 5-1 victory over the Habs. They looked back on track in Edmonton, finishing the first period up 3-0. Then they mailed it in the rest of the game with just 10 SOG over the last two periods, allowing the Oilers to come back with a 4-3 victory. The Habs have looked sloppy the last two games, which means they might come out fired up tonight. However, 3 games in 4 nights on the road will probably take it's toll on their energy, giving the Flames a slight edge. They'll need every advantage they can get, as they still look like a team trying to figure things out. Just a hunch, but I assume the Flames will see the backup tonight since they haven't had much offensive punch this season.

The big question for tonight is who gets the net? Joni Orito came in as an injury replacement for Hiller and fared quite well, allowing the team to get back in the game. Karri Ramo was recently banished to the NHL for his poor play, so it's not a lock that he would get a start after losing the confidence of his coach and GM. However, Hartley loves his veterans, so it's entirely possible he goes back to Ramo. I don't know what will happen, but I feel like it's 50/50 as to who will get the start, and should it go one way, it will send CP into a rage.


Lineups are an educated guess. Nothing is confirmed. Don't get excited.


Flames
Colborne-Monahan-Hudler
Gaudreau-Bennett-Frolik
Raymond-Backlund-Jones
Bollig-Stajan-Jooris

Giordano-Brodie
Russell-Wideman
Engelland-Hamilton

Ortio


Canadiens
Pacioretty-Plekanec-Gallagher
Eller-Galchenyuk-Flynn
Fleischmann-Desharnais-Weise
Byron-Mitchell-Smith-Pelley

Markov-Subban
Emelin-Petry
Beaulieu-Gilbert

Condon



Go Flames Go!!!

[fuffalo]

I hate the feeling that I'm not excited to be attending tonight. I'm going to have to dig deep for this optimism...but I'll say flames 3-2 in OT.

[Poe969]

I am not excited about this game. The habs look good but the Flames showed a bit of life last game...I just want to see effort, that's it. I'd like a win but I just want to see the team compete at the highest level they can.

[skudr248]

Lets win this one

[HotHotHeat]

After watching Ortio in the shootout the other night I have zero confidence in any of these goaltenders.

[Puppet Guy]

Just win this so I can hold it over Mrs. Puppet.

[HalifaxDrunk]

I forgot Cali-P-F is doing these on Fridays. I will post this here anyway since I find it funny we used some of the same pics.




***Click here to read***



[IMG]https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5739/22579401606_502ac2d38f_z.jpg/IMG]

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Puppet Guy

Just win this so I can hold it over Mrs. Puppet.

I'm having a classy morning...so I'll leave the Mrs Puppet jokes alone! ☺

[habernac]

Habs were brutal last night. I'm wondering which team will show up. They've been playing poorly since last Saturday when they let the Leafs get 50 shots on Price.

[FBI]

No confidence in Ortio because of shootout goals? Eye roll.
Remember kipper in the shootout?

[locsofblu]

First home game after being on a road trip are pretty tough. Hopefully we can figure it all out tonight though. Go Flame Go.

[Finger Cookin]

Hopefully the Habs continue to feel bad about their recent performance and lay another egg.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

After watching Ortio in the shootout the other night I have zero confidence in any of these goaltenders.

I'm with you. I have no faith in any of these guys. As bad as Hiller has been the only points this team has got this season is in games he's started and now he's injured who knows when this team may win again? My hope is Ortio starts and he plays well but the goaltending has been so bad that it's hard to imagine them beating anyone with these guys in net. One thing I do know is the defense has to be a hell of a lot better than they have been this season. These fire drills in their own end are unacceptable.

[Armchair Quarterback]

Well if Edmonton can beat them...go Flames!

Calgary gets some puckluck, 4-3 win.

[Split98]

I've come to terms with how this one is going to go.

I'll take solace that my late Grandfather would be very happy tonight with a Habs win...

4 seems to be our magic number so 4-1 Habs

[442scotty]

I'm usually pretty optimistic but I expect the Flames to lose only to come back and beat the Oilers tomorrow.... At least try and be entertaining out there guys!

[heep223]

Score all the goals, do all the things. Whatever.

Spuuuuuulllllllll

[Toonage]

The start of back to back wins. Flames pepper the Habs with shots. Condon breaks. 5-2 Flames.

[ComixZone]

Big nights for Bennett and Gaudreau, but the Habs are a great team and react well to last night's loss. Flames lose the goaltender battle again.

5-4 Canadiens.

Bennett 2G
Gaudreau 3A

[CroFlames]

After watching the Habs collapse last night, I have a hard time imagining they don't come out absolutely flying tonight. Couple that with the loss to the Canucks, and they'll be really hungry.

Flames? I hope we get the Ottawa Flames tonight. They played with heart and effort. Tweak that PP and we should have a chance with Ortio in goal.

GFG.