Preview: Calgary Flames @ Winnipeg Jets, 1/9/17 (43/82)

The Flames will try for 2 in a row tonight as they head to Winnipeg to take on the Jets. Calgary still finds themselves firmly entrenched in the 7th spot in the West and controls their own playoff destiny as of now. The Flames have won 3 of their last 4 games and they’ve scored 3 or more goals six times in their last 10. Offence was an issue early on in the season, but it’s no longer a problem. Mikael Backlund has 11 points in his last 7, Michael Frolik has 6 points (4G 2A) in his last 5 and Matthew Tkachuk has a point in 9 straight. The Flames goaltending has been up and down as of late. Brian Elliott has been the up part, going 5-1-0 in his last 6. Chad Johnson has been the down part, going 1-4-0 in his last 5.

Winnipeg finds themselves near the bottom of the Western Conference after two long losing streaks (4 & 6 games) appear to have derailed their season. The Jets do have young talented players, highlighted by Patrik Laine (injured) and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, but this season has been a struggle. Winnipeg last played the Flames on December 10th and the Flames took it to the Jets 6-2. That game also featured 34 combined penalty minutes with each team picking up 2 fighting major’s apiece.

While this game looks like a layup for the Flames, a feisty Jets team isn’t going to let Calgary come into their building and let the Flames walk all over them. Here’s how the teams match-up:

What’s Happening With The Opposition

Calgary Flames 3 Vancouver Canucks 1

The Flames last took to the ice on Saturday night and took down the Vancouver Canucks 3-1. This was the second game of a home and home between the two and the 2 points gave Calgary a little breathing room in the Pacific Division. Michael Frolik scored, Matthew Tkachuk got a point in his 9th straight game and Chad Johnson stopped 28 shots en route to the victory. Here’s our recap, the highlights and Chad Johnson’s post game comments.

Winnipeg Jets 3 Buffalo Sabres 4

The Jets last skated on Saturday night and fell to Buffalo 4-3, stopping a 2 game winning streak. The Jets got goals from 3 different players, but lost Patrik Laine to a concussion after taking a hard hit during the game. Here’s the highlights.

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames: Michael Frolik (F). Frolik has been pumping in the goals lately for the Flames. In his last 5 games he has 4 goals and of his 24 points, 9 of them have come on the road. Frolik is part of the 3M line (Frolik, Backlund and Tkachuk) that has been carrying the Flames lately and he’s been front and centre in the scoring barrage. He didn’t have a point in the first meeting between these two teams, but in his last 3 against the Jets he has 4 points.

Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images

Winnipeg Jets: Mark Scheifele (C). Scheifele is having himself a season. He leads the Jets in points with 37, is a point a game player in his last 5 and when he’s playing at home, he has 18 of those 37 points. Scheifele had an assist in the December 10th contest against the Flames, but prior to that he had only 2 points in his meetings with the Flames.