Preview: Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets 1/20/18 (46/82): Remember the Flames? They Play A Game Today!

Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets, 1 PM MT, Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary AB

There’s finally hockey to watch! The Flames and Jets both come off their 5 day break with a Saturday afternoon matinee in Calgary. It’s Hockey Day In Canada and the NHL schedule makers nailed it with this match up for sure.

Calgary has won 7 in a row and are doing it with solid goaltending and offence. The Flames have scored 23 goals in their 7 wins, getting 3 or more markers in every single game. Not only have they won 7, but they’ve taken down some NHL heavy weights along the way: Chicago, LA, Anaheim, Minnesota and Tampa are a few of the teams that the Flames handed L’s to before their break.

Calgary is currently in 7th place in the West and climbing. The Flames currently have a point on Colorado and are 3 points behind Dallas, but due to games in hand by the Stars they remain ahead of Dallas in the standings. The Flames and their 54 points sit only 4 spots behind the Jets in the West, separated by a mere 5 points.

The Jets have cooled off a bit, but their hot start has held them high in the West. Winnipeg cruised into their 5 day break on a two game losing streak and have lost 5 of their last 11 games. Despite barely being above .500 in those 11, Winnipeg has one constant: Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets ‘tender is 23-6-6 this season, yes that’s not a type-o. While dropping 2 in a row, Hellebuyck still has a Save % north of .920 and a GAA that is sub 2.50. He’s their workhorse and with Steve Mason out due to a concussion, Hellebuyck is likely to see even more time this month.

The Flames and Jets have played one of their 3 regular season contests with Calgary taking the opener 6-3 back on Oct. 7th. The Flames shelled Steve Mason in that contest, getting a 4 point night from T.J. Brodie. It won’t be so easy this time….or will it? Winnipeg has struggled in Calgary since coming back into the league. The Flames are 8-2-0 in their last 10 against the Jets at the Dome.

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Winnipeg Jets Coverage: Arctic Ice Hockey

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 4 Carolina Hurricanes 1

The Flames last took to the ice on Sunday January 14th and won their 7th in a row with a 4-1 beat down of the Carolina Hurricanes. Mike Smith stopped 38 of the 39 shots he faced to earn his 20th victory of the season. Here’s our recap and the highlights from NHL.com

Winnipeg Jets 1 Minnesota Wild 4

Two in a row, but in the wrong direction. The Jets’ final skate before the break was Sunday January 14th as well and they fell to the Minnesota Wild 4-1. This was Winnipeg’s 2nd straight loss after reeling off 3 in a row. Arctic Ice Hockey has the recap and NHL.com provides the highlights.

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Curtis Lazar (F). We’re going right back to Lazar as he’s been playing really solid as of late. The Flames young forward has semi-helped solidify the Flames struggling 4th line and he’s getting pucks on net (4 SOG in his last 2 games). Lazar has a scant 5 points on the season, but he got one of those against Carolina before the break (assist) and had an assist in the Flames 6-3 over Winnipeg in October.

Winnipeg Jets

Blake Wheeler (F). Wheeler is having himself quite the season in 2017-18. The Minnesota product leads the Jets in points with 53, good for 9th overall in the NHL. Before heading into the break Wheeler had 6 points in his last 5 contests and he picked up a helper in the Jets 6-3 loss to Calgary earlier this season.

by Mark Parkinson