I Calgary Flames (15-11-7) need a win Saturday afternoon to end their five-game homestand with a good record after back-to-back overtime losses to the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators.
Their task on Saturday will be tough, as former first-round pick Connor Bedard will lead the Chicago Blackhawks (12-19-2) at the Saddledome.
Today, watch Nazem Kadri’s drive to start a new goal and score after being shut out Thursday night. Meanwhile, Jonathan Huberdeau leads the team in scoring and has four points during home play.
Could Christmas come early for some Flames players, especially those struggling to score and build momentum heading into the break?
Related: Flames Biggest Problem This Year: Pitching Depth
Between the pipes, it will be a rematch of the first meeting of the season, as Dustin Wolf starts his second straight game and will look for a better game after losing on ice for only the second time on Thursday. His season stats include a 9-5-2 record with a 2.72 GAA, .913 SV%, and two shutouts.
On the other hand, the Blackhawks named Petr Mrazek as their starter. He is 7-11-1 this year with a 2.83 GAA and .906 SV%.
The Blackhawks (26 points) entered the afternoon in seventh place in the Central Division and are in the midst of another Draft Lottery season with the third worst record in the league.
Meanwhile, the Flames (37 points) remain in fifth place in the Pacific Division and are one point away from the wildcard race, tied with the Utah Hockey Club, both clubs chasing the Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks.
By the Flames staff at NHL.comhere’s a breakdown of tonight’s lineup. (Can be changed)
FORWARD
Jonathan Huberdeau — Nazem Kadri — Martin Pospisil
Yegor Sharangovich — Connor Zary — Jakob Pelletier
Blake Coleman — Mikael Backlund — Matt Coronato
Ryan Lomberg — Kevin Rooney — Walker Duehr
PROTECTION
Kevin Bahl — Rasmus Andersson
Joel Hanley — MacKenzie Weegar
Jake Bean — Brayden Pachal
GOALS
Dustin Wolf
And Vladar
PHOTOS
Andrei Kuzmenko, Tyson Barrie, Daniil Miromanov
Tonight is the second of three meetings between the Flames and the Blackhawks. Calgary won the first contest at the Saddledome on Oct. 15 by 3-1.
The game is available on Sportsnet One and Sportsnet+. The puck drops at 2pm MT.
