M & G Gametime preview: Flames visit Carolina

Tonight at 5PM, the Flames will faceoff against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC. This is the final of two games between the two this season. The Flames earned a 5-0 win in Calgary on October 23rd. The Flames are finishing a five-game road trip. They defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 6-2 last Sunday and the Washington Capitals, 4-3 in overtime on Tuesday before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning, 5-2 on Thursday. They got back on the heavy side of the scoresheet on Saturday against the Florida Panthers, when they earned a 6-4 victory. After tonight’s match, they’ll head home for a five-game homestand, with matches against the Arizona Coyotes, the Ottawa Senators, the Anaheim Ducks, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the New Jersey Devils. The Hurricanes are opening a short homestand. They’ll complete it on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets.

As stated above, these two just played each other three weeks ago, and the results were very favourable for the Flames. Sean Monahan scored twice, and Lance Bouma, Matt Stajan, and Dennis Wideman each also lit the lamp. Paul Byron, Joe Colborne, Jiri Hudler, and Kris Russell all tabbed a pair of assists in the 5-0 Flames win. Jonas Hiller was perfect against 16 shots, while Cam Ward allowed all five goals versus only 19 saves for a save percentage under 80%. * Box Score * Full Recap

More on Carolina can be had at Canes Country.

Calgary’s last game would see them use a strong third period to set back the Florida Panthers, 6-4. The Flames were led by a goal and two assists from both John Gaudreau and Mark Giordano. Lance Bouma, Jiri Hudler, and Sean Monahan each connected for a goal and an assist. David Jones also lit the lamp for Calgary, while Jonas Hiller came on in relief of Karri Ramo (18-for-22) to make nine saves on nine shots. Al Montoya took the loss for the Panthers, allowing five goals on 24 shots. Scottie Upshall had two markers and one assist, while Jimmy Hayes and Nick Bjugstad also scored for the Cats. * Box Score * Full Recap

See Litter Box Cats for the best Panthers coverage on the internet.

In Carolina’s last action, the Canes dropped a 4-3 overtime match against Washington. For the Canes, Riley Nash had a goal and an assist, Elias Lindholm and Eric Staal each also lit the lamp, and Justin Faulk handed out two assists. Anton Khudobin allowed four goals on 39 shots for the loss. For the Caps, Nicklas Backstrom, Jay Beagle, Eric Fehr and Troy Brouwer each scored a goal, while Justin Peters earned the win by turning aside 24-of-27 shot attempts. * Box Score * Full Recap

Japer's Rink is SB Nation's dedicated Washington Capitals blog.

GameTime: 5PM MT

Where2Watch: SNW, FS-CR

All-Time Statline: At 41-17-8, the Flames have traditionally owned the Hartford Whalers / Hurricanes franchise. They have a better record against only the New Jersey Devils.

Current Record

Calgary Flames: 9-5-2, .625, 20 points, on pace for 103 points. Fourth in the Pacific Division, sixth in the Western Conference, 11th in the NHL. Last Five: W-W-W-L-W. Playoff Odds: 78.4%

Carolina Hurricanes: 4-6-3, .423, 11 points, on pace for 69 points. Seventh in the Metropolitan Division, 14th in the Eastern Conference, 27th in the NHL. Last Five: W-W-W-W-O. Playoff Odds: 16.8%

Probable Starting Lineups

Calgary Flames

Carolina Hurricanes

Check back just before the game for our live discussion thread, and keep it locked down here for the post-game wrap up report soon after the final horn. Tomorrow morning will have our advanced statistical breakdown.

by Kevin Kraczkowski