Game 55 Preview: Hound Dog

Today, the Flames play the second game of a back to back. It’s the first time the Flames will see the Phoenix Coyotes this season, and by extension, the first time they will see Daymond Langkow.

Lanks, as you all know, played less then 10 games for the Flames last year after coming off of a freak neck injury. The whole season was wrought with speculation about his condition, if he was ever going to play again, etc. Well, he came back and although the sample size was very small he looked pretty damn good out there, assisting on Jarome Iginla’s 1000th NHL point. I was always a big fan of the dude and admired the way he handled tough minutes with such ease.

In the summer, Jay Feaster shipped him back to the Desert, from where he once came (in exchange for Oleg Saprykin and Denis Gautiher the first time-which was probably Sutter’s best trade aside from Kiprusoff-and Lee Stempniak the second time-which at this point in time looks like one of Feaster’s best trades). This year, the only “true” number one centre Jarome Iginla’s ever had is enjoyng a little bit higher ground to start from, having the 6th best Corsi RQC among forwards to go along with the 6th highest Zone Start percentage. Even though he’s hit the ripe old age of 35, he’s still outshooting his opponents by an average of 9.5 Corsi events per 60.

So here's to you, Lanks. You keep on keepin' on.

For the Flames, there look to be no major lineup changes coming off the win last night but Leland Irving will get the start tonight-much to the delight of some fans, I’m sure.

Players To Watch

Michael Cammalleri-While he has been the subject of some critiques less then 10 games into his current go-around with the Flames, the delta in penalty minutes between he and Rene Bourque is 9:50 per 60 minutes he's on the ice. That means every 20 or so games Squid produces one extra win for the Flames because he's not taking idiotic penalties.

Martin Hanzal-Simply one of the best possession guys in the league.

Lastly…

Another strong effort from Irving would be exceptional tonight.

by Richard Hammond