Preview: Calgary Flames @ Ottawa Senators, 2/24/19 (62/82): Tkachuk Bowl Pt. 1

Calgary Flames @ Ottawa Senators, 5 PM MT, Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata ON

TV: TVAS, SN

Radio: Sportsnet 960

Calgary Flames 38-16-7 (83 pts) – Ottawa Senators 22-34-5 (49 pts)

NHL Standings

The Flames are back on the road after a very successful three game homestand that saw them take all three contests at the Dome and reclaim their hold on the Pacific Division and Western Conference. Currently the Flames have a three point lead on the Sharks and their four game winning streak, depth scoring and resurgent Mike Smith have all been reasons for them being back on top.

Today is a big game for a few different reasons, one being that with Calgary visiting Ottawa it will be the first time that Matthew and Brady Tkachuk face each other in the NHL. Brady is having a very respectable rookie season with 30 points in 50 games and despite his recent slump, Matthew Tkachuk is going strong with 59 points. The other reason this game looms large is the Mark Stone factor. Rumours are swirling that the Flames are “all in” on the Senators star player and with the trade dealdine looming, this could be a very big game for both sides. Does Stone play? Is he showcased? Do the Flames make a deal for Stone? Either way this game should be very interesting regardless of trade rumours.

While the Flames are riding a four game winning streak and have points in five straight, over in Ottawa things aren’t going so well. Ottawa has dropped 10 of their last 13 contests and sit dead last in the Eastern Conference. The Sens have given up 226 goals on the season (2nd worst) and their 77.6% PK is good for 5th worst in the NHL. Ottawa is 23 points out of a playoff spot and the fire sale has begun. The Senators dealt Ryan Dzingel and Matt Duchene to the Columbus Blue Jackets this past week, signaling the end of Ottawa’s 2018-19 season.

Stating Goalies (E=Expected, C=Confirmed)

Flames: Rittich (E): 20-5-5, 2.66 GAA, .911 Save%

Senators: Anderson (E): 14-19-3, 3.58 GAA, ,904 Save%

Team Leaders

Flames: Goals- Gaudreau (30), Points- Gaudreau (79), PIM- Bennett (81), Save%- Rittich (.911)

Senators: Goals- Stone (28), Points- Stone (62), PIM- Borowiecki (81), Save%- Nilsson (.917)

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Ottawa Senators Coverage: Silver Seven Sens

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 2 – Anaheim Ducks 1

Ottawa Senators 0 – Columbus Blue Jackets 3

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Mikael Backlund (C): 15G – 21A, 6 points in last 5 games

Ottawa Senators

Brady Tkachuk (F): 13G – 17A, 5 points in last 5 games

by Mark Parkinson