Calgary Flames vs Montreal Canadiens Preview 3/20/2016

Calgary Flames @ Montreal Canadiens, 7 PM ET, Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

The Flames start a 3 game road swing with a trip to the Bell Centre to take on the Montreal Canadiens. The Flames come into this contest as winners of 3 of their last 5 games. The Canadiens on the other hand have dropped 3 of their last 4. The Flames and Canadiens last played back on October 30th with Montreal dominating the Flames 6-2. The Flames and Canadiens have have some epic battles over the years, but Calgary hasn't fared well in the overall series or when they visit Montreal. Overall the Flames  have a 42-64-15 record in total and are 17-33-8 at Montreal's home rink. Recently acquired Niklas Backstrom will get his first start in net for the Flames tonight. Here's how the teams match-up:

The Flames last played on Friday night and dropped a shoot out decision to the Colorado Avalanche 4-3. Lance Bouma had a multiple point night and Freddie Hamilton found the back of the net for one of Calgary's 3 goals. Joni Ortio stopped 25 of 28 shots in the loss. Here's the highlights:

The Canadiens last played on Saturday night and lost to the Ottawa Senators 5-0. The Senators pummeled the Canadiens to the tune of 44 shots. Ben Scrivens did his best, stopping 39 of the 44, but it wasn't enough as Montreal couldn't find the back of the net. Here's the highlights:

Calgary Flames Projected Lineup (these are the projected lines and can be changed any time before the puck drop)

Scratches:  Deryk Engelland (who will be with his wife as she gives birth to their second child - congrats!), Freddie Hamilton

Injuries: Karri Ramo, Ladislav Smid, Dennis Wideman

Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup  (these are the projected lines and can be changed any time before the puck drop)

Scratches:

Injuries: Daniel Carr, Carey Price, Tom Gilbert, Brian Flynn, David Desharnais, Jeff Petry, P.K. Subban, Brendan Gallagher, Mark Barberio