Anaheim must be stopped: Flames @ Ducks preview (22/82)

Calgary Flames @ Anaheim Ducks – 8pm MT

This is the bit where I usually segue into a humorous or relevant song choice. I'm not doing that today.

Everybody has that one team who they utterly despise. There's no real reason for it (unlike my loathing of Vancouver or Edmonton), you just hate them. That team, for me, is the god damn Anaheim Ducks.

No, I don't know why. It is what it is.

I mean, it could be because of the record against them, especially in the Ponda Center. Maybe. I don't know.

It’s not like they’re even that good this year. They’re not. Hell, they even added to their douchebaggery by getting Kevin Bieksa. But it’s Anaheim on the road, so I’m expecting nothing from this.

Regardless, here's some loud music to get you in the mood. Not safe for work.

Oh look, Kevin Bieksa leads PIMs, what a surprise.

Fun fact of the day: In Anaheim, the Flames are 9-36-6. Oh goody.

Fortunately, this year's Ducks are awful going forwards. They are 29th in the league on scoring, with just Philadelphia behind them.

ICYMI

Chicago Blackhawks 1-2 Calgary Flames (AOT)

Game recap

Johnny Overtime

Projected lines

• Mason Raymond slotted in for the flu-stricken Jiri Hudler on the top line against Chicago, and didn’t look out of place. In practice on Monday, Hudler rotated rushes with Micheal Ferland, so it remains to be seen if last year’s top scorer makes it into the lineup. Kris Russell left the game against Chicago early, but Bob Hartley says he should be good to go. If not, Ladislav Smid will join Dougie Hamilton.

Milestones

A win would be Karri Ramo's 50th (if he plays). Dougie Hamilton plays in his 200th NHL game. Michael Frolik continues his quest for his 100th goal.

Other games today

Join us in the gamethread, where there will be blood.

by Liam McCausland