Calgary Flames (21-15-7) at St. Louis Blues (21-20-4)
When: Thursday, 6 p.m. MT, Enterprise Center
TV: Sportsnet West. Radio: Sportsnet 960 The Fan
Odds: Flames +122, Blues -146
The buzz
This is a rarity during the NHL’s regular-season schedule — consecutive games against the same opponent in the same city. The Flames have been stewing in St. Louis since Tuesday’s 2-1 loss, awaiting this opportunity to even the score against the Blues. This is also a biggie in the Western Conference wildcard race, with the Blues just three points back of the Flames and looking to further close that gap.
If you require a refresher on Tuesday’s tight-checking contest, the Blues buried in the opening minute, with Colton Parayko capitalizing after a juicy rebound. The Flames equalized early in the third, with Kevin Bahl beating Jordan Binnington on the blocker side. An uncharacteristic turnover by Calgary’s captain, Mikael Backlund, proved to be the difference. The typically trustworthy centre was guilty of the neutral-zone giveaway that led to Radek Faksa’s go-ahead goal with about nine minutes remaining in regulation. Although the Flames tipped their caps to Jordan Binnington for his 26-save performance, Natural Stat Trick credited the road team with only four high-danger chances.
The quote
“I think at five-on-five, we controlled a lot of the play and had a lot of great opportunities. So I don’t think we have to change anything at all.“
— Flames centre Nazem Kadri after Tuesday’s loss
The news
• The Blues have won both matchups against the Flames this season, which also includes a 4-3 overtime triumph at the Saddledome in early December.
• It seems like a no-brainer for the Blues to stick with Jordan Binnington between the pipes. One of Team Canada’s picks for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, Binnington is 8-1-0 in his career against the crew from Calgary. The Flames will presumably start Dustin Wolf, who was a spectator Tuesday on the second night of a back-to-back set.
• Blues defenceman Ryan Suter is now just 11 appearances shy of 1,500 for his career. In league lore, only 21 players have previously hit that mark. Suter’s uncle, Gary, was a heck of a blue-liner, too. He skated for 17 seasons in the NHL, nine of those with the Flames.
• Down on the farm, the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers announced that all-star goaltender Devin Cooley is day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
• Check back after Thursday’s morning skates in St. Louis for any updates.
The projected lineup
Forwards
Huberdeau-Kadri-Pospisil
Coleman-Backlund-Coronato
Kerins-Sharangovich-Pelletier
Lomberg-Rooney-Duehr
Defence
Bahl-Andersson
Hanley-Weegar
Bean-Pachal
Goalies
Wolf
Vladar
The injuries
Connor Zary is out indefinitely due to a knee injury. Also on injured reserve are Justin Kirkland and Anthony Mantha, who are both lost for the season.
In case you missed it
One of the most popular Flames in recent memory, Sean Monahan still keeps tabs on his former team. ‘Mony’ is pulling for forward call-up Rory Kerins, who happens to be a longtime family friend.