Flames @ Hawks Gamethread

There are lot of ill tidings heading into this one. The Hawks man-handled the Flames at the best of times last year and Calgary isn’t exactly at their best right now. Iginla was as impotent against Chicago last season as he has been in general thus far and the fist line has apparently lost it’s only moderately functioning part in David Moss. In addition, one of the bright spots of the first week or so in the 4th line has been broken up by the injury, moving Sjostrom to the first unit and inserting Brian McGrattan in his place.

On top of all that, Dustin Boyd has been kicked back down to the 4th line. Now, it’s been frustrating to watch Boyd recently given his inability to finish scoring chances, but at least the kid has been getting them. Nystrom is probably a capable replacement on the 3rd unit, but it’s a bad omen for Boyd who is fighting for a place in this organization with every breath.

The Hawks have been hot and cold in terms of results, but their underlying numbers thus far are stellar. Their entire roster besides Dustin Byfuglien in in the black in terms of corsi and they currently boast one of the most impressive shot differentials in the league (+14.8). Safe to say, it’s unlikely the depth players will carry the Flames through this one – if the Stars get killed again, Calgary’s going to lose their second in a row.

As such, expect lots of swearing in the comments.

by Kent Wilson