Gamethread: Calgary Flames @ Pittsburgh Penguins

With the Flames last 6-3 loss in Buffalo, they have a lot of work ahead of them today in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.

The Flames record now stands at 26-34-4 and they’re officially in 29th place with a mere 56 points (second-last only to the Toronto Maple Leafs who are in 30th position with 52 points).

Pittsburgh has a record of 33-22-8 and sit in a wildcard spot in the standings. The Flames could see Schultz (who was recently traded to the Penguins from the Oilers) in the Pittsburgh lineup for the first time. Regardless, it will be tough for the Flames defense to ward off the offensive prowess of Malkin, who has 6 points in his last 5 games.

I hope the Flames defense is ready to rumble because they won’t have opportunity to lack in front of Ortio if they plan to win this game. The Flames will have to rely on Johnny Gaudreau and his magic hands if they hope to score on Fleury who is projected to be in net for the Penguins. Personally, I can’t wait to see what Garnet Hathaway will bring to table today.

Joni Ortio gets the nod in net. And I think a lot of fans would like to see him get the majority of starts to finish off the season. His blue line defense will consist of Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie, Deryk Engelland and Dougie Hamilton, and Jakub Nakladal paired with Jyrki Jokipakka. On the offensive, the top line will consist of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, and Michael Frolik. Lance Bouma, Sam Bennett, and Joe Colborne will be the second offensive line while Micheal Ferland, Mikael Backlund, and Garnet Hathaway will be the third line.

Go Flames Go!

by Traci Kay