Flames start home and home with Avalanche
November 18, 2008 by Brett Thompson
Filed under Calgary Flames, NHL Hockey
Colorado Avalanche (8-8-0) @ Calgary Flames (9-8-1)
The Flames are hoping tonight’s game against their division rivals Colorado Avalanche will be the turning point after being dealt a 6-1 thumping from the league leading the San Jose Sharks last Thursday. The Flames defense has been suspect over the last couple weeks and in the last 4 games they’ve giving up 133 shots against while being outscored 18-6, with the only win coming against the Blue and White.
The Flames have had 4 days to do some soul searching and coach Keenan has emphasized there need to be better at both ends of the ice particularly defense, as Keenan has said ” It’s about the consistency, the work ethic and the due diligence you need to stay on top of that part of your game.
Calgary won the first two meetings this season with both at the Pengrowth Saddledome, scores of 5-4 and 3-0. The Flames have a 5-2-3 record in the last 10 meetings.
Keys to victory:
Calgary needs to play a simple defensive game and limit shots against Kiprusoff.
Calgary getting the first goal will be key, along with special teams being the deciding factor.
Projected Lines for Tonight
Forwards:
Bertuzzi - Langkow - Iginla
Bourque - Boyd - Cammalleri
Glencross - Conroy - Moss
Nystrom - Primeau - Prust
Defence:
Regehr - Sarich
Phaneuf - Giordano
Pardy - Aucoin
Goaltender:
Kiprusoff
Injuries:
Flames
C Matthew Lombardi (shoulder) remains day-to-day.
D Jim Vandermeer (ankle) is out.
D Rhett Warrener shoulder surgery
Avs
C Joe Sakic (back)
C Ben Guite (ribs)
Let the Flame Burn! At least more than once!
Any questions feel free to contact me
brettthompson@sportstalkbuzz.com
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November 18th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Just got back from practice this morning
A couple of notes Conroy and Boyd had a drill on doing face offs for about 10 minutes. Gio was was really working on his shot from the point he broke the glass with one of his shots. They seemed to be really working on there defense with handling the puck. Also working the defense on passing the puck up. Pardy was really getting a hard work out with the coaches on his shot and passing the puck. Curtis was given a real workout also they were keeping him in check making sure he was sharp. Sorry did not notice the starting line up as even the scratches were out there. Nystrom and Prust had a really good practice they really hustled out there. Dion was really talkative out there today he seemed to really communicating with his teamates.
One more major point Lombardi is getting closer he stayed out the full hour working on his puck control and skating. They were really checking out his shot release help me out guys was his shoulder the reason he is out. Because he is still having trouble with his shot he looked like he was still grimacing when he shot the puck. Nothing to major I didn’t see Iggy there but that probably because of it being a optional practice.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Thanks Randy for the info. It’s nice to hear that there was some urgency at practice today. Seems as though everyone was pumped for tonight’s game, I know I am.
I heard that Lombardi is pretty close to returning and once there is no pain it’s usually 3-4 days after that there ready to go. I find it strange that Iggy wasn’t at practice especially with how important this game is tonight and how they have been playing lately.
November 19th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Some of my friends said he was there early did not stick around because of the media wanting to talk to him.
Randy