Game 64 Preview: Flames vs. Coyotes

Seems there is one downfall to the schedule the Calgary Flames are facing the rest of the way and it's called the Phoenix Coyotes.

Hotter than a two-dollar pistol about sums it up.

The Coyotes are 11-0-1 in their last 12. They were in 12th place not but a month ago following their last regulation loss, today, they're in the Pacific Division lead which sees them vault all the way up to 3rd.

Despite all of that, the Flames have played them quite close, albeit in two recent losses; one in OT and one in the shootout after blowing a 2-goal lead.

Four points out of a playoff spot with one game in hand on the Dallas Stars. With a win the Flames can move to within two points of the feisty Stars, a loss ... will have many writing the season off for the team.

Projected Lines for the Calgary Flames:

Tanguay - Cammalleri - Iginla

Glencross - Jokinen - Moss

Kostopolous - Stajan - Comeau

Bouma - Horak - Jackman

Bouwmeester -Smith

Giordano - Hannan

Brodie - Sarich

Kiprusoff

-It's expected that Kipper will start tonight with Leland Irving being called up to start tomorrow night in Anaheim.

-After this two-game back-to-backer, the Flames return to the recently unfriendly confines of the Saddledome to take on the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets

This is a back's against the wall kind of game against the hottest team in the NHL; a loss could be crippling, but more important than that for the team is that they reestablish some presence in the game, fight for more scoring chances and attempt to limit them in their own end. The team needs to swing the momentum of the season back in their favor before its too late.

Before creeps like me can say, "I told you so."