Preparing for the Stretch Drive
The Calgary Flames, currently holding a 26-21-8 record, have 27 games left in the 2024-25 season. They will return to the ice this Sunday evening at the Saddledome, facing off against Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks (15-35-7). This game marks the Flames’ first match since February 8, when they narrowly lost to the Seattle Kraken in overtime, 3-2. Despite leading 2-0 in the third period, the Flames couldn’t hold their advantage, a setback that has left the team determined to regroup and refocus. The Flames head into this game with a sense of urgency, knowing that their last three outings have been losses and their next game starts what they’ve been calling the stretch drive of the season.
A Familiar Foe
Tonight’s matchup is the second of four meetings between Calgary and San Jose, with the Flames having won the previous encounter 3-1 in California. The Flames are 4-5-1 in their last ten games, scoring ten power-play goals on 33 attempts despite being outscored 33-28 overall. The Sharks, on the other hand, have struggled mightily, going 1-8-1 in their last ten games with a staggering 51-27 goal differential against them. Their last victory was a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 27, and they have since failed to find their footing. This stark contrast in form could bode well for the Flames, who are eager to capitalize on the Sharks’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Between the Pipes
For the Flames, Dustin Wolf is expected to start in goal. Wolf has played 33 games this season, posting a 19-11-3 record with a 2.63 goals-against average (GAA) and a .912 save percentage (SV%). Over his career, Wolf has played 51 games, boasting a 27-18-4 record, a 2.77 GAA, and a .907 SV%. In his last five games, Wolf has a 1-3-1 record with a 3.00 GAA and an .897 SV%. Against the Sharks, he has a 4-1-0 record, a 2.18 GAA, and a .905 SV%. His consistent performance in previous matchups against San Jose will be crucial for the Flames.
For the Sharks, Alex Georgiev is likely to take the net. Georgiev has played 32 games this season, recording a 10-18-0 record with a 3.66 GAA and an .875 SV%. Over his career, Georgiev has played 286 games, with a 146-100-22 record, a 2.94 GAA, and a .905 SV%. In his last five games, Georgiev has a 0-4-0 record with a 4.00 GAA and an .844 SV%. Against the Flames, he has a 2-1-0 record, a 3.27 GAA, and an .897 SV%. Both goaltenders will face significant pressure to keep their teams in the game, with the Flames aiming to break their losing streak and the Sharks looking for a rare win.
Conversations in the Dugout
The Flames have been vocal about the importance of the upcoming stretch of games, referring to it as the stretch drive. After a brief rest, the players are energized and ready to tackle the remaining schedule. The possibility of another blowout game, similar to those seen in recent days, is a topic of discussion. The Flames have struggled with scoring all season, but tonight’s matchup against one of the NHL’s weakest defenses presents an opportunity to rectify that. The return of key players like Connor Zary and Kevin Bahl could provide a much-needed boost. Zary, known for his playmaking skills, and Bahl, a solid defender, have been sidelined with injuries but are expected to make an impact upon their return.
Standings and Leaders
As the Flames prepare for the game, the team’s current standing is notable. They are fifth in the Pacific Division, third in the Western Wildcard, and ninth in the Western Conference, placing 19th in the overall NHL standings. The Sharks are eighth in the Pacific Division, 10th in the Western Wildcard, and 16th in the Western Conference, ranking 32nd in the NHL. The Flames’ leaders in various categories include Jonathan Huberdeau with 21 goals and 41 points, MacKenzie Weegar with 25 assists, and Brayden Pachal with 76 penalty minutes. On the Kraken side, Tyler Toffoli leads with 20 goals, Mikael Granlund has 30 assists, and Barclay Goodrow leads with 45 penalty minutes.
Game Day Lineup and Broadcast
Per the Flames staff at NHL.com, the lineup for tonight’s game is as follows (subject to change):
Forwards:
- Jonathan Huberdeau — Nazem Kadri — Matt Coronato
- Connor Zary — Mikael Backlund — Blake Coleman
- Joel Farabee — Morgan Frost — Yegor Sharangovich
- Ryan Lomberg — Kevin Rooney — Martin Pospisil
Defense:
- Kevin Bahl — Rasmus Andersson
- Joel Hanley — Mackenzie Weegar
- Jake Bean — Brayden Pachal
Goalies:
- Dustin Wolf
- Dan Vladar
Scratches:
- Adam Klapka, Ilya Solovyov, Daniil Miromanov
Tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. MT and will be available on NBCSCA, SN, and Sportsnet+. Fans can expect an exciting and high-stakes matchup as the Flames aim to turn their season around and the Sharks look to find some momentum.
