Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings [Game 17]

The Calgary Flames California trip continues tonight as they take on the Los Angeles Kings. The Flames started this trip off on the wrong foot losing to an Anaheim team that is 2-6-2 in their last ten games. The Ducks had been struggling mightily and the Flames missed out on a chance to move up in a Pacific division that isn’t very good right now.

Much of that loss could be pinned on Mike Smith who once again put in a sub-par performance. Smith allowed three goals on 24 shots, 21 of which came at even strength. The Flames considerably outplayed the Ducks and they should have had two points if not for the work of their go-to goalie who has posted the fourth worst delta save percentage of qualified goalies this year and may be losing the locker room according to reports.

Mercifully enough, we will not be treated to a Smith game tonight as David Rittich will stand between the pipes. Unfortunately that means that we will likely get treated to a Smith game tomorrow night against an incredibly dangerous San Jose Sharks team in a game that’s a schedule loss on the road for the Flames. That game could be absolutely disastrous.

Garnet Hathaway looks like he’ll come in for Anthony Peluso in tonight’s contest. As of right now there will be no other changes to the lineup. Dalton Prout and Michael Stone will be the other two healthy scratches.

Puck drop is at 8:00 P.M. M.S.T.

by Les Mavus