Calgary Flames at Minnesota Wild (Game 17)

The Calgary Flames bleeding has become something closer to a full fledged Ecsanguination as their prospects get bleaker and bleaker. They’ll look to cauterize their wounds tonight in an attempt to get the season back on track tonight against the Minnesota Wild. Chad Johnson gets the start in net.

If we’re being frank, the lineup decisions tonight are befuddling at best. Sam Bennett is moving from centre to third line wing with Matt Stajan sliding up in the lineup. This isn’t necessarily anything against Stajan (who’s been a surprise this season), but moving an individual who is being groomed as a centre to wing given the standings is reactionary.

Glen Gulutzan still hasn’t figured out that T.J. Brodie can’t play the left side and what’s worse is he’ll be partnered with the human turnstile that is Dennis Wideman. That could be a pair that spells disaster on defense for the Flames. Fan consensus is that the Flames need a wing, but really any options that they have to fill out that final spot whether it be Dennis Wideman, Jyrki Jokipakka, or the now-departed Nicklas Grossmann are terrible options.

Garnet Hathaway has drawn in for Linden Vey. Hathaway has his detractors and is unproven, but Vey looked horribly slow out there and has more than earned the scratch. Hunter Shinkaruk was still an option, but apparently the team that ranks 27th in goals per 60 minutes in month of November doesn’t need offensively minded players.

Growing tired of this? We are, too. Hope for the best, expect the worst I guess. Go Flames, go.

by Les Mavus