Bruins vs Flames – Ship them back to Boston. Game Preview

The last time the Bruins came to town was a cold December evening back in 2013. For me, and like every other fan of the Flames it was a special evening. My then-girlfriend gave me a free pass as I tried to pretend like I wasn’t crying. I totally cried though and I have no shame. The Flames lost 2-1 but it didn’t matter.

This time the Bruins return, without Jarome Iginla – hell, without a few other core pieces, too. After stumbling for much of the season due to a team riddled with injuries they've moved up the ranks of the Eastern Conference to fight for a wildcard spot. This team is still an effective team but not as scary as they could be. (The Flames have more wins than them! For real!)

The Flames, whose only similarity to the Bruins is their own personal fight for a playoff spot, are coming off a 3-2 win over the Canucks. You may remember the Canucks as a franchise of perpetual disappointment and rioting. We’ve also won the season series against those west coast hosers, with five points earned against them to their four.

Recap | Fancy Stats | Boxscore

Game time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Channel: Sportsnet West (SNW)

All-time record: The Bruins hold a 56-32-10-1 record against the Flames dating back to our humble beginnings in Atlanta. The last time Calgary beat Boston was in 2008 by a score of 3-2 which was forever ago. Dustin Boyd still existed and he scored the game winner. Iginla had two assists and we didn’t yet know that Tim Thomas was a crazy Republican who lives in a bunker in Colorado.

Common threads: Both teams have utter contempt for the existence of the Vancouver Canucks. As mentioned, former captain and naturally perfect human Jarome Iginla played for both teams. Both teams have won the Stanley Cup before as well. Marc Savard used to play hockey for both teams but now he can’t.

Finally, the late Steve Montador played 94 games with the Flames from 2001 to 2004. During the 08-09 season he also played 13 regular season games with the Bruins, as well as 11 playoff contests. We miss you, Steve. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Approaching milestones: Patrice Bergeron is one goal away from 200 in his career which is nice. Noted tantrum thrower Tuukka Rask is one shutout away from 11th in active shutouts. So I’ve basically jinxed the team now. Mason Raymond is nine games away from 500 in his career which is awful nice considering his injuries.

Scoreboard watching:

Edmonton vs Winnipeg – Winnipeg currently sits at 68 points (29-19-10) and are three points up on the Flames. This is a rare occasion to cheer for our disappointing rivals of the north.

Minnesota vs Vancouver – Both Vancouver and Minnesota are looking for points. Minnesota currently sits in 9th place (28-20-7) behind the Flames with 63 points. Vancouver is 7th (31-21-3) in the West and tied with the Flames for 65 points. We hope both teams fold mid-game preventing any points gained.

Tampa Bay vs Los Angeles – The Kings are currently 10th (25-18-12) in the West with 62 points and looking to hone in on the remaining wildcard spots. This is the only time you cheer for Tampa, friends.

Current records and leaders

Possible starting lineups that will change up until two seconds before puck drop

by Mike Pfeil