Preview: Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks 1/7/19 (44/82): Flames Look To Sweep Blackhawks With Win

Calgary Flames @ Chicago Blackhawks, 6:30 PM MT, United Center, Chicago IL

TV: SNW

Radio: Sportsnet 960

Calgary Flames 26-13-4 (56 pts) – Chicago Blackhawks 16-21-7 (39 pts)

NHL Standings

The Flames final stop on a four game road trip sees them visiting the Windy City to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. The Flames are 2-1-0 so far on this trek and find themselves in first place in both the Pacific Division and the Western Conference. Calgary got a big boost on Saturday against the Flyers when David Rittich returned to the pipes for the Flames. He was outstanding in getting the win, stopping 32 of the 34 shots that came his way. Not to be outdone, Johnny Gaudreau continued his hot play and in front of his almost home town. Gaudreau scored the Flames first goal of that contest, giving him his 11th point in his last 5 games. Though with the good there is some bad. Calgary’s PP is 2-11 on this road trip, including an 0-6 stretch over their last two games.

The Blackhawks, though deeply settled in the Western Conference basement just two spots ahead of LA and St. Louis, have been playing well as of late. The ‘Hawks have won 6 out of their last 10 which started after they had a stretch where they lost 9 out of 10. The Blackhawks goaltending has been up and down, especially with Corey Crawford getting his second concussion of the season. Cam Ward collected the win against Pittsburgh Sunday night, but Collin Delia has been a story himself. The 24 year old California native has four starts since December 21st, winning three of four, but he was strong in the only loss. He faced 50 shots and stopped 47 in a 3-2 OT loss to the Islanders.

Calgary has taken both match-ups this season between the two teams and if they win tonight it’ll be the second straight season that they have swept all three games from the Blackhawks.

Starting Goalies (E=Expected, C=Confirmed)

Flames: Rittich (E)- 14-4-3, 2.37 GAA, .921 Save%

Blackhawks: Delia (E)- 3-0-1, 1.98 GAA, .952 Save%

Team Leaders

Flames: Goals- Gaudreau (24), Points- Gaudreau (62), PIM- Bennett (70), Save%- Rittich (.921)

Blackhawks: Goals- Kane (23), Pointa- Kane (51), PIM- Keith (58), Save%- Delia (.952)

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Chicago Blackhawks Coverage: Second City Hockey

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 3 – Philadelphia Flyers 2 (OT)

Chicago Blackhawks 5 – Pittsburgh Penguins 3

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Matthew Tkachuk (F): 19G – 30A, 7 points in last 5 games

Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews (C): 16G – 21A, 6 assists in last 5 games

by Mark Parkinson