No W: Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks preview (19/82)

Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks – 6:30pm MT

Tonight sees the first head-to-head of the year in this writer's house. You see, as a former resident of Chicago, my other half is a Blackhawks fan, and she's going to be unbearable if they win tonight. In fact, she'll probably be worse if they lose. Either way, one of us is going to end the night with no W…

Thank you, Ministry, for having one of the most hockey-relative song titles in Industrial (well, apart from the song Al Jourgensen wrote for the Blackhawks.)

This is a Chicago Blackhawks team that is, well, the Chicago Blackhawks. For all his off-ice troubles, Patrick Kane is a hell of a talent and continues to prove so. The addition of Artem Anisimov looks inspired, and they’re a team that oozes quality. It’s going to be a toughie.

That said, another win on Friday means the Flames have won four of six, and are 4-0 in overtime games. Is it a run? Maybe. It's nice to have some points.

Karri Ramo's even strength save percentage is over 90% for the first time this season. This is a good thing. He's playing well, now he's had a decent run in the side.

ICYMI

Calgary Flames 3-2 Washington Capitals (AOT)

Game recap

Who'da thunk it? Even at 2-0, I had a bad feeling. I had a worse feeling when the Caps tied it. Then, the Flames do the thing, and it's two points. Lovely.

Projected lines

Milestones

It's Johnny Gaudreau's 100th NHL game tonight. 82 points isn't a bad return for a kid that's too small to play hockey, is it? Michael Frolik is one goal away from 100, with David Jones one behind him.

Other games today

Just the one game tonight, with the Rangers hosting the Maple Leafs on Hometown Hockey. It might be worth watching the pre-game this week, as there’ll be an interview with Al MacInnis.

Join us in the gamethread, where we'll have pizza (maybe).

by Liam McCausland