Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets, 8 PM MT, Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary AB

TV: ESPN+, SNW - Radio: Sportsnet 960

Calgary Flames (5-5-1, 11 pts) - Winnipeg Jets (7-3-1, 15 pts)

NHL Standings

Enough already. I don’t know if you’re sick of watching the Flames play the Jets, but I’m sick of writing about the Flames playing the Jets. Calgary and Winnipeg will tangle tonight for the fifth time already this season in a weird, one off home stand with Winnipeg before Calgary heads to Vancouver. The Flames will probably be thrilled to be done with the Jets for a while as they haven’t has much success against their new division rival. The Jets have taken three of the previous four meetings including a 4-1 victory on February 4th. So if you are any good at math you’ll notice that the Flames account for 57% of Winnipeg’s victories this season. Way to go boys.

The Flames put an end to a two game losing streak Saturday night by defeating the Edmonton Oilers 6-4, but prior to that these Winnipeg Jets really took it to the Flames. In a three game series against Winnipeg, Calgary went 1-2-0 and their power play was shut down to the tune of 0-10. To make matter worse the Flames were outscored 11-6 and outscored 5-2 in the first period over that three game stretch. So, who’s excited to see Winnipeg again!?

The Jets come into this contest well rested as they haven’t played since that aforementioned 4-1 victory five days ago. Calgary could use a little home cooking as they’ve been on the road for five of their last six with a measly 2-3-1 record to show for it. Once again, the key for the Flames is to come out strong from the beginning. Calgary tried that against the Oilers, but found themselves in a 2-1 hole after 20 minutes. Luckily Mikko Koskinen is the Edmonton goalie and the Flames were able to light him up for six goals. Connor Hellebuyck should prove to be slightly better competition, so falling behind early is not advised. Something in the Flames favour is the fact that Winnipeg does not play well when visiting the Saddledome, going 4-13-0 in 17 visits since returning to Winnipeg.

Starting Goalies (E=Expected, C=Confirmed)

Flames: Markstrom (E): 5-3-1, 2.55 GAA, .914 SV%

Jets: Hellebuyck (E): 5-2-1, 2.48 GAA, .913 SV%

Team Leaders

Flames: Goals- Gaudreau (7), Points- Gaudreau (13), PIM- Tkachuk (13), Save%- Markstrom (.914)

Jets: Goals- Connor (7), Points- Scheifele (14), PIM: Wheeler (14). Save%- Hellebuyck (.913)

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Winnipeg Jets Coverage: Arctic Ice Hockey

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 6 - Edmonton Oilers 4

Winnipeg Jets 4 - Calgary Flames 1

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Mikael Backlund (C): 4 points in last 5 games

Winnipeg Jets

Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Mark Scheifele (C): 4 points in last three games against Calgary