[GDT] Flames vs. Senators, 8 pm, CBC

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Flames: 26-30-4, 56 points, 6th in Pacific, 13th in West, 28th in NHL.

Senators: 29-27-6, 64 points, 5th in Atlantic, 12th in East, 21st in NHL.


As rumors continue to swirl around the Flames, and lots of other teams, heading into the trade deadline, the team has struggled to find the win column of late, losing 6 of their last 7 games since Ramo went down for the year with a knee injury. At first, the defense and goaltending had troubles keeping the puck out of the net, but over the last two games with Ortio in net, that's largely corrected to an acceptable level. However, the offense has dried up, with the team scoring just 4 goals over their last 3 games. The top line continues to produce, but moving Bennett to center has created a hole on the 2nd line that hasn't produced much in the way of actual goals, although the Backlund line has had some solid overall play since the change. Even more so, Bennett has had more responsibilities and less cumulative ice time to create offense, although he could use a couple of wingers who can actually put the puck in the net. And, while we all appreciate what Nakladal has done so far, Tyler Wotherspoon has been very impressive in 4 short games, already sporting a +3 despite the Flames losing so much lately, and not scoring a single point yet himself.

On the other side, the Senators are still fighting for one of the last playoff spots, and are just 4 points behind the Penguins going into tonight, but they would have to leapfrog 3 other teams (Devils, Hurricanes, Flyers) to even be within striking distance of that spot. If they're to have any hope of catching the Penguins, they'll need more from Kyle Turris. Their top line center has 30 points on the year, which obviously isn't that good when you're playing alongside two 20 goal scorers in Hoffman and Stone, but it's even worse when you realize that he doesn't have a single point in his last 14 games. After a strong 1st half of the season, Turris has struggled to add any offense to an attack that is already top ten in the league. Imagine if he were on his game...the Sens might be one of the scarier offensive teams in the league.

And they need to score goals because, man, do they ever give up a lot. Despite having a very solid starting goaltender in Craig Anderson, they give up just as many goals against per game as the Flames, tied for 2nd worst in the entire league. If you've watched them play at all this year, you'll understand that a lot of that is because of a shoddy bottom 3 defenders along with the young Ceci. Also, as good as Karlsson is, he's a high risk defender who will give up some chances to go along with all the good ones he creates. That's why the Sens felt it necessary to go out and acquire a veteran defenseman to play alongside Ceci as he learns the game. It's just weird that they felt Phaneuf was that guy. To be fair, Phaneuf has been decent for them so far, adding 6 points in 8 games and is only a -1 in that stretch. Hard to say if it will be a wise move for the Senators going forward, but for now it's solidified their defense and slotted everyone where they should be going forward.

Roster Notes: Russell is possible for tonight's game, but if there's any significant trade possibility, you will probably not see him. No word on a starter, but Hartley's comments for Ortio have been very positive, so I would expect to see him again. Lineups are a guess since there was no practice yesterday. As for the Senators, despite a lingering foot issue, Kyle Turris should play tonight. Clarke MacArthur and Chris Phillips remain sidelined with a concussion and back injury respectively.


Flames
Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Colborne-Backlund-Frolik
Ferland-Bennett-Jooris
Bouma-Stajan-Jones

Giordano-Brodie
Engelland-Hamilton
Wotherspoon-Nakladal

Ortio

Senators
Hoffman-Turris-Stone
Dzingel-Zibanejad-Ryan
Smith-Pageau-Chiasson
Paul-Lazar-Neil

Methot-Karlsson
Phaneuf-Ceci
Borowiecki-Wideman

Anderson





Go Flames Go!!!!!!

[Vinny01]

Going to this game tonight and looking forward to it. Likely the last game for a few players. Hoping for a big win with points coming from the core 6

[killer_carlson]

I think Russell needs to play.

I appreciate the risk of injury, but I think you need to show that his injury isn't a nagging season ender, and highlight him by putting him out there in positions to succeed.

Let him play and have a big game.

It's worth the risk, imo.

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I think Russell needs to play.

I appreciate the risk of injury, but I think you need to show that his injury isn't a nagging season ender, and highlight him by putting him out there in positions to succeed.

Let him play and have a big game.

It's worth the risk, imo.

I'm the exact opposite. Definitely not worth the risk. If he re-injures it tonight you loose the asset. Better to keep him out, give inquiring teams the doctors report, and let them decide

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Updates from practice this morning:

Ortio is confirmed as the starter for tonight.

Update to the forward lines (Jooris remains scratched):

Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Ferland-Bennett-Jones
Colborne-Backlund-Frolik
Bouma-Stajan-Bollig

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Updates from practice this morning:

Ortio is confirmed as the starter for tonight.

Update to the forward lines (Jooris remains scratched):

Gaudreau-Monahan-Hudler
Ferland-Bennett-Jones
Colborne-Backlund-Frolik
Bouma-Stajan-Bollig

Showcasing Jones, it seems.

[browna]

Retro unis tonight as well.

[Puppet Guy]

Tonight, Ottawa shall tremble at the power of The Ultimate Puppet!!!

Spoiler!

ACTION STAGE LEFT! ACTION STAGE RIGHT! THERE IS NO PLACE TO RUN! ALL THE FUSES IN THE EXIT LIGHTS HAVE BEEN BURNT OUT! THERE IS ONLY ONE STRAIGHT AND NARROW PATHWAY TO VICTORY! LOAD THE SPACESHIP WITH THE ROCKET FUEL! LOAD IT WITH THE PUPPETS!!!! BECAUSE TONIGHT - VICTORY! WILL! BE! MIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNEEEEEE!!!

GO FLAMES

[hockey.modern]

So who gets called up, and who plays the top line RW?

[Heavy Jack]

Really hoping to see Agostino get the call up, he deserves it.

Throw Jooris on the top line and see he has a big night if we are indeed shopping him too... Him or Colby.

[tvp2003]

So... Who draws in on the top line now?!?

[FBI]

Not Colby or jones please. Either jooris or Ferland.

[handgroen]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

So... Who draws in on the top line now?!?

let's hope ferland, his offensive skills are often marginalized but i believe he can keep up with johnny and monahan. could be pretty good for his confidence too.

[Gaudfather]

Russell should play so the fans can give him a standing ovation at some point. The Jets didn't bench Ladd when they were about to trade him!

[foshizzle11]

I think they should keep Russell out tonight, no need to risk injuring him before Monday. If a trade doesn't go down, it is just a game or two.

The roster could be quite different by the time Monday rolls around. It will be interesting who gets to play with the top line tonight for the majority of the game. I wouldn't mind eventually seeing a Bennett, JG and Monahan PP unit. Could be an interesting one. Then see Backs, Ferland and Jones or Colborne on the 2nd unit.

I think this will be a close one tonight. Love the retros and so guessing a flames win. 4-3.

JG, Gio, Bollig and Hamilton get on the score sheet. Make it happen boys!

[FBI]

Slowest GDT ever lol.
Is there a game on tonight?

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by FBI

Slowest GDT ever lol.
Is there a game on tonight?

Did you say trade?

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by Gaudfather

Russell should play so the fans can give him a standing ovation at some point. The Jets didn't bench Ladd when they were about to trade him!

Ladd doesn't block 20 shots per night.

[Enoch Root]

that first pic is awesome

[Enoch Root]

hoping Ferland wins the line lottery tonight