That’s the spirit: Flames @ Ottawa Senators preview (10/82)

Calgary Flames @ Ottawa Senators – 5:30pm MT

What are we all worried about? What's the big deal? Everything's okay, isn't it? Let's just sing along…(song is NSFW)…

Power of positive thinking and all that.

Anyway, the road trip ends in the nation's capital, against a Senators side that is on somewhat of a slump. Having won their opening two games, they have won just one of the following six. It makes the Flames' streak look like a blip. Whether they'll become the Flames' first regulation victim remains to be seen, but it could be a good opportunity, because it isn't coming on Friday is it?

Remember this game last year? It was everything good and bad about this silly hockey club.

I miss David Schlemko 🙁

ICYMI

Calgary Flames 0-4 New York Islanders

Game recap – NY double-header stats recap

Too many shots not on goal (including a couple from Joe Colborne that missed an empty net), too many defenders not doing their jobs. It's going to be a long season, kids.

Don't I know you?

Derek Grant spent five years with the Senators organisation, the vast majority with their AHL affiliate.

Projected lines

• I don’t want you to get too excited, but…

• Interesting. Giordano and Brodie are taking reps right now together.

  — Kristen Odland (@KristenOdlandCH) October 28, 2015

  There’s a chance T.J. Brodie makes his return tonight. He participated in morning skate, paired with Mark Giordano. I’m not saying he’s in, but….maybe?

• A BIG shake up on the forward lines for this evening.
• Sam Bennett and Michael Frolik join Johnny Gaudreau.
• Joe Colborne is paired with Sean Monahan and Jiri Hudler.
• Mikael Backlund finds himself on the third line, between Mason Raymond and David Jones.
• There’s no Matt Stajan, as Derek Grant centers Brandon Bollig and Josh Jooris.

• Craig Anderson gets the start in goal for the Sens, who have Clarke Macarthur and Chris Phillips on the IR. Mark Stone has continued his form that saw him as a Calder candidate last season.
• Mike Hoffman is labelled as “unlikely”, with Curtis Lazar also expected to miss out. Milan Michalek was doubtful after blocking a shot the hard way, but will play.

Milestones

A shutout would be Craig Anderson’s 30th in the NHL, and a hat trick for Kyle Turris would bring up 100 goals. Bobby Ryan is four points from 400, with Marc Methot three away from 100. David Jones still needs four goals for 100.

Other games tonight

Join us in the gamethread, where we'll be singing along, a little goddamn louder.

by Liam McCausland