Preview: Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks 12/2/18 (27/82): Streaking Flames, Reeling Blackhawks Tonight

Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks, 5 PM MT, United Center, Chicago IL

TV: SNW, NHLN-US

Radio: Sportsnet 960

Calgary Flames 15-9-2 (32 pts) – Chicago Blackhawks 9-13-5 (23 pts)

NHL Standings

The Flames are on the road today as they head to the Windy City to take on the Blackhawks at 5 PM MT tonight. Calgary comes into this game winners of 6 out of their last 10 and they’re doing so in convincing fashion. In 5 of their 6 wins Calgary has scored 4 or more goals and allowed only 9 goals in those victories. David Rittich has been strong all year long, but the Flames have been getting some contributions from Mike Smith as of late. The Flames keepper has won his last 2 starts, giving up only 2 goals on very few shots (43 total). Make of it what you will, but if the the Flames can get Smith right and he can compliment Rittich, things will be looking ever better for the good guys.

What’s not looking good? The Chicago Blackhawks. Father time and the checkbook are showing their ugly faces and the Blackhawks are sinking. They are currently mired in a 3 game losing streak, which is actually decent for this team seeing they lost 8 straight from Oct 27th to Nov 11th. The Blackhawks sit 2 points out of last place in the Central Division and part of that is lack of offence. Chicago is 23rd in the NHL, averaging 2.78 goals per game, comapre that to Calgary’s 3.38 (8th).

These two last met on November 3rd at the Saddledome with the Flames winning 5-3. Sean Monahan, Mikael Backlund and Michael Frolik all scored goals in the third period to get Calgary the come from behind win. The Flames are 3-2-0 in their last 5 visits to Chicago.

Starting Goalies (E=Expected, C=Confirmed)

Flames: Rittich (E)- 8-2-1, 2.21 GAA, .924 Save%

Blackhawks: Crawford (C)- 5-10-1, 3.18 GAA, .901 Save%

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Chicago Blackhawks Coverage: Second City Hockey

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 4 LA Kings 1

Chicago Blackhawks 2 Nashville Predators 5

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau: 10G 19A, 5 points in last 5 games

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Kane: 13G 17A, 5 points in last 5 games

by Mark Parkinson