The Calgary Flames (15-11-7) need a Saturday afternoon win to finish their five-game homestand with a positive record after back-to-back overtime losses to the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators.
Their task on Saturday will be difficult, as former first-overall pick Connor Bedard will lead the Chicago Blackhawks (12-19-2) to the Saddledome.
Today, watch for Nazem Kadri’s drive to start a new goal and point streak after getting shut out on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Jonathan Huberdeau leads the team in scoring and has four points during the current homestand.
Could Christmas come early for other Flames players, especially those chomping to get on the scoresheet and build up momentum going into the break?
Related: The Flames Biggest Issue This Year: Scoring Depth
Between the pipes, it will be a rematch of the season’s first meeting, as Dustin Wolf is starting his second straight game and will look for a bounceback performance after losing on home ice for only the second time on Thursday. His season statistics include a 9-5-2 record with a 2.72 GAA, .913 SV%, and two shutouts.
At the other end, the Blackhawks have tapped Petr Mrazek as their starter. He’s 7-11-1 this year with a 2.83 GAA and .906 SV%.
The Blackhawks (26 points) enter the afternoon in seventh place in the Central Division and are amidst 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 remain one point out of the wildcard race, locked in a tie with the Utah Hockey Club, with both clubs chasing the Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks.
Per the Flames staff at NHL.com, here’s a breakdown of tonight’s lineup. (Subject to change)
FORWARDS
Jonathan Huberdeau — Nazem Kadri — Martin Pospisil
Yegor Sharangovich — Connor Zary — Jakob Pelletier
Blake Coleman — Mikael Backlund — Matt Coronato
Ryan Lomberg — Kevin Rooney — Walker Duehr
DEFENCE
Kevin Bahl — Rasmus Andersson
Joel Hanley — MacKenzie Weegar
Jake Bean — Brayden Pachal
GOALIES
Dustin Wolf
Dan Vladar
SCRATCHES
Andrei Kuzmenko, Tyson Barrie, Daniil Miromanov
Tonight is the second of three meetings between the Flames and Blackhawks. Calgary won the first contest at the Saddledome on Oct. 15 by a 3-1 score.
The game is available on Sportsnet One and Sportsnet+. The puck drops at 2 p.m. MT.
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