Flames and Canucks: Sundown at the Saddledome

Game Preview #82

Last game of the season for both teams and the Canucks will likely be floating. If it gets physical, I expect the Canucks to back off and let the game go. They are focused on the playoffs already. They have everything to lose in this game and nothing to win if it gets chippy.

For the Flames there will be a sense of pride in this one, just like the last game against the Oilers. Despite missing the playoffs, the Flames will likely want to go out on a positive note, especially in front of the home crowd.

It’s been an interesting season for milestones: Craig Conroy with his 1000^th game, Jarome with his 1000^th point and joining the small 30 Goal /10 Season club. Jarome Iginla has another milestone very much within reach tonight.

He is only one point behind Lanny McDonald at the moment with 1005 career points, Lanny has 1006 – Go Iggy Go.

More Game preview after the jump

The Stat Rack

Number Crunch

The Canucks have been elite for the entire year by the numbers and as the season comes to a close they lead the league in all categories but PK where they still are 3^rd overall. Not much else to say on this one.

Alive in the Last Five

Flames

Jarome Iginla 8G 5A +4 in his last 5GP

Alex Tanguay 3G 7A +6 in his last 4GP

Mikael Backlund 0G 3A +2 in his last GP

Canucks

Ryan Kesler 4G 0A +2 in his last 4GP

Daniel Sedin 1G 5A +2 in his last 5GP

Roberto Luongo 4W 1L – 0.958 SV% and 1SO in his last 5GP

Anticipated Roster (subject to change by game time)

Anticipated Game Style

I have my usual early line-up, which shows both teams starting their back-up goalies. I am anticipating a higher scoring game because of it. It will be very interesting to watch Henrik Karlsson start against the best team in the NHL to see how he holds up.

The Canucks will be unlikely to risk even minimal contact if they can avoid it. If this game gets chippy I expect the Canucks to stand aside and let the Flames take it away. We’ve already seen the Canucks mail in some games since they locked up the President’s Trophy.

I don’t expect them to come full out until the playoffs.

One on One

Cory Schneider vs Mikael Backlund

May as well watch the rookies at this point. Backlund is spending time on the first line, which is great. He had a great last game with 3 Asssists but I would like to start seeing him shoot more.

Cory Schneider is the Canucks Ace in the Hole going into the playoffs. Good to get a peek at this kid because he is coming up to UFA not this off-season but next and I doubt the Canucks will be able to re-sign him.

The Magic 8-Ball

Picking the Flames for this one – mainly because I just don’t see any reason for Vancouver to come out playing hard and risk injuries at this point.

by M Smith