In the past (aka when the Flames and Senators were playing well) Calgary and Ottawa were notorious for having low-scoring, high energy games when they met each other on the ice. It was usually a goaltenders’ battle, and although the Senators always seemed to have a new goaltender standing in front of their net they always seemed to be able to match the skill of Miikka Kiprusoff.
Some things will be the same this time around, like Sens goalie Robin Lehner, who may get the start in net again after earning his first NHL win last night in New York. Miikka Kiprusoff will have to step up his game if he wants to contribute to a Flames win. He has had 3 shaky games in a row which is out of character for him. His usual bad-game-followed-by-a-shutout hasn’t happened recently and that needs to change quickly.
The things that do seem to have changed for this match-up is the goal-scoring out put of each team. The Flames scored 5 goals in their last outing and Jarome Iginla continues to lead the team offensively. The Senators scored 6 goals on Long Island in their first win since Boxing Day, and despite missing Alex Kovalev and Jason Spezza, they seem to be able to find the net.
Tonight’s game will be a match-up of two of the NHL most struggling teams. The Senators are currently 4nd last in the NHL, while the Flames sit two spots ahead with 41 points in 43 games. The Sens have are 1-6 in their last 7 games. The Flames are currently riding a 3-game winless streak. This one’s gonna be a doozy!
Puck drop is at 5:30 MT and you can watch the game on Sportsnet West or listen in on FAN 960.
Greg is the founder of Red Mile Blog has been following the Flames through good times and bad since they arrived in Calgary in the early 80s. He has written hundreds of articles on the Flames since 2005 and considers himself an expert on hockey inconsistency and frustration. He shoots right and usually plays defence, but has been known to jump up in the rush. He is a 2-time CAHL men's league champion and knows the sweet taste of beer from a Cup.
