Preview: Calgary Flames vs Ottawa Senators 10/13/17 (5/83): 4 In A Row For The Flames?

Calgary Flames vs Ottawa Senators, 7 PM MT, Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary AB

The Flames are finally back home after a VERY successful trip through California. The Flames got all 4 points on the trip by taking out the Kings and FINALLY winning in Anaheim. Since dropping their opener to Edmonton, the Flames have won 3 straight, putting them at 3-1-0. It hasn’t been pretty at times that’s for sure, but the Flames have gotten more than solid goaltending from Mike Smith to keep them in each and every game. When the Senators and Flames take the ice tonight it’ll be the Flames 6th game in 11 days to start the season. After Saturday, Calgary will have a 4 day reprieve, which will be well earned when it arrives.

It hasn’t been an easy start for the Senators either. After a very successful 2016-17 campaign the Sens have had an odd 3 game start. Every game they’ve played on the young season has gone to a shootout, with them losing 2 of those. The last time out they beat the Canucks by way of a shootout, the first of 4 in a row against the Pacific Division. Craig Anderson has settled in nicely over the last 2 games after blowing a 3 goal lead by giving up 3 third period goals to Alex Ovechkin in their 5-4 (SO) loss to the Caps opening night.

These two only see each other twice a season and Calgary took both meetings last year by an average of 2 goals. Calgary is much better at the Dome against the Senators where they hold a 13-6-1 record against Ottawa.

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 4 LA Kings 3 (OT)

The Flames came into LA flying after beating the Ducks in Anaheim and it looked like it was going to be a cake walk early on. The Kings had other plans. Calgary blew an early 2 goal lead and got a late third period goal to tie it and send the game to OT. Sean Monahan played hero in the extra period for the 8th time in his young career, givng the Flames a 4-3 win. Here’s our recap and the highlights from NHL.com

Ottawa Senators 3 Vancouver Canucks 2 (SO)

The Sens got their first win of the season in their 3rd SO of the season. You read that correctly: 3 games, 3 shootouts. Craig Anderson got the win for Ottawa stopping 26 of the 28 shots he faced and Ottawa got goals from Cody Ceci and Ryan Dzingel in regualtion, while Mark Stone got the SO winner to get Ottawa the “W.” Silver Seven has the recap and NHL.com provides the highlights.

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Mike Smith (G). We don’t see how it can’t be Mike Smith. Smith came into the season with some questions marks and now the only question is: can he be this good for the entire season? Smith hasn’t necessarily stolen a game this season, he’s just been very good. When the Flames have needed a big save Smith has been there for his teammates. He’s been borderline unflappable and without him, Calgary certainly isn’t playing as well as they are.

Ottawa Senators

Derick Brassard (C). Brassard has had a good start to the season for Ottawa. He has 3 points in 3 games (1G 2A) and has compiled 9 shots on net (3rd on the team). While he’s tops on the Sens in points, he also leads the team in PIM with 4. Brassard is almost a point a game player against Calgary with 4 in his last 5 games.

by Mark Parkinson