The Flames’ Rocky Road Trip
The Calgary Flames (28-23-9) have had a particularly challenging stretch on their recent road trip, facing off against some of the league’s top teams and coming up short in several hard-fought contests. The Flames, who are currently holding onto the last playoff spot, have struggled to find their rhythm, going 3-5-1 in their last ten games. This poor form has been reflected in their goal differential, with a meager 18 goals scored compared to 29 conceded. Even more concerning is their recent offensive slump, failing to put a puck past the opposing goaltender in their past three games. Despite these setbacks, the Flames will aim to turn things around as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Flyers tonight.
A Familiar Foe in Philadelphia
The last time the Flames and Flyers met was way back on October 12, during the Flames’ second game of the season. Calgary was on a roll at the time, starting the year with a four-game winning streak, including a commanding 6-3 victory over Philadelphia. Fast forward several months, and the Flyers find themselves in a similar position to the Flames, battling for their own playoff spot. The Flyers have a 29-27 record and a goal differential of minus-3 over their last ten games, with a power-play efficiency of 15%. Both teams are in need of a spark, and tonight’s game could be a crucial turning point.
Between the Pipes: Goalkeeper Matchup
Calgary will start Dustin Wolf in goal tonight. Wolf has had a solid season, appearing in 36 games with a 20-12-4 record, a 2.58 goals-against average (GAA), and a .913 save percentage (SV%). Over his career, Wolf has played in 54 games, maintaining a respectable 2.72 GAA and .908 SV%. In his last five appearances, Wolf has a 1-2-2 record with a 2.60 GAA and .910 SV%. Against the Flyers, Wolf has one win, a 2.00 GAA, and a .933 SV%, showing that he has the capability to perform well in this matchup.
On the other side, the Flyers will rely on Samuel Ersson. Ersson has also put in solid performances this season, with 34 games played, 18 wins, 10 losses, and 4 overtime losses, alongside a 2.82 GAA and .893 SV%. Over his career, Ersson has played 97 games, posting a 2.85 GAA and .893 SV%. In his last five games, Ersson has a 3-0-2 record with a 2.80 GAA and .901 SV%. He has one win against the Flames, though his numbers (3.05 GAA and .925 SV%) suggest it might be a tougher challenge tonight.
Emotional Matchups and Trade Deadline Pressure
Tuesday night will see a few emotional matchups on the ice. Jakob Pelletier, drafted 26th overall by the Flames in the 2019 NHL Draft, will face his former team for the first time. Similarly, Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, both drafted in the first round by the Flyers, will return to play against their former club. These personal stories add a layer of intensity and significance to the game, as players look to make a statement against familiar faces.
The Flames’ recent struggles have placed them under a microscope, especially with the trade deadline approaching. They currently have the lowest goals-for-per-game (GF/GP) in the NHL, scoring just one goal in their last ten periods. This raises questions about the team’s offensive capabilities and whether they can summon the necessary firepower to secure a playoff spot. The trade deadline could be a pivotal moment for the Flames, as they may need to make significant moves to bolster their lineup.
Playoff Implications and Standing
With 22 games left in the regular season, the Flames control their playoff destiny. They are currently in the second wildcard spot in the Western Conference, just ahead of the Vancouver Canucks, who also have 22 games remaining. However, the wild card race is crowded, with two other teams vying for the final spot. A win tonight against the Flyers, who are ranked below them in the standings, could provide a much-needed boost in their playoff push.
The Flyers, on the other hand, are also in the thick of the playoff race, sitting in the 7th wildcard spot in the Western Conference. They have a 29-27 record and are ranked 24th in the NHL. With a goal differential of just minus-3 over their last ten games, the Flyers are showing signs of resilience and could pose a significant threat to the Flames. Both teams will be keen to secure a victory to strengthen their playoff positions.
Key Players and Lineup
The Flames will be looking to their key players to step up and turn around their fortunes. Leading the charge is Jonathan Huberdeau, who has 22 goals and 44 points this season. MacKenzie Weegar, with 27 assists, and Nazem Kadri, also with 44 points, will be crucial in creating scoring opportunities. On defense, Joel Hanley and Mackenzie Weegar will be tasked with shutting down the Flyers’ attack, while Brayden Pachal, with 80 penalty minutes, will need to maintain discipline to avoid giving the Flyers power-play chances.
The Flyers’ lineup features Travis Konecny, who leads the team with 22 goals and 63 points. Konecny’s versatility on both the power play and at even strength makes him a dangerous threat. Garnet Hathaway, with 48 penalty minutes, and Owen Tippett, with 143 shots on goal, will also be key players to watch. The defensive pair of Joel Hanley and Mackenzie Weegar will have their hands full with Konecny and the rest of the Flyers’ offense.
Game Preview and Viewing Information
Tonight’s game is crucial for both the Calgary Flames and the Philadelphia Flyers, as both teams are fighting for a playoff spot. The Flames need to break their scoring drought and find their winning form, while the Flyers look to capitalize on their recent resilience. The Flames have a lineup that includes Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, and Joel Farabee, among others, while the Flyers will rely on Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, and their solid defensive core.
The game starts at 5:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on NBCSP, SN, and Sportsnet+. As the Flames prepare for their second-to-last game of this lengthy road trip, fans will be tuning in to see if they can overcome their recent struggles and secure a vital win. The stage is set for an intense and emotionally charged matchup, with both teams desperate for a positive outcome.
