Game Day: Flames Look to Start Winning Streak Vs. Kings

The Calgary Flames (6-6-2)have been playing some good hockey lately. The results just haven’t been there.

They snapped a seven-game losing streak with a nail-biting 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday night. But Monday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings (10-6-1) could be even tougher. Unlike the Flames, who had a hot start then a skid, the Kings started sour then turned things around to sit second in the Pacific Division ahead of their visit to the Saddledome.

Jacob Markstrom, who made 21 saves in the win, gets another start as the Flames look to string a couple of wins together.

Jonathan Huberdeau returns but has relinquished his role on the top line with Elias Lindholm and Tyler Toffoli to 23-year-old Adam Ruzicka. Ruzicka has been good for a couple of games there and is deserving of the extended audition.

“He put in a really good summer in terms of training, all his on-ice, off-ice, lifestyle, that sort of thing,” said Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter. “Did a really good job, he just didn’t take that step in training camp. But when you’re challenged to get some offence, he’s one guy that I think can provide it.

“If we are going to be a playoff team, I think it’s important we have some young players take a next step. He’s shown that lately for sure.”

On the other side, the Kings are rolling after a 3-5 start. They have four straight wins and are 6-1-1 record in their last eight.

Here’s how the lines shake out.

Calgary Flames Projected Lineup

Forwards:

Adam Ruzicka – Elias Lindholm – Tyler Toffoli
Milan Lucic – Nazem Kadri – Andrew Mangiapane
Jonathan Huberdeau – Mikael Backlund – Trevor Lewis
Blake Coleman – Dillon Dube – Brett Ritchie

Defence:

Noah Hanifin – Rasmus Andersson
MacKenzie Weegar – Chris Tanev
Nikita Zadorov – Nick DeSimone
Extra: Connor Mackey

Goaltender:

Jacob Markstrom

Los Angeles Kings Projected Lineup

Forwards:

Adrian Kempe – Anze Kopitar – Gabriel Vilardi
Trevor Moore – Phillip Danault – Viktor Arvidsson
Kevin Fiala – Rasmus Kupari – Carl Grundstrom
Jaret Anderson-Dolan – Blake Lizotte – Arthur Kaliyev

Defence:

Mikey Anderson – Drew Doughty
Sean Durzi – Matt Roy
Alexander Edler – Sean Walker

Goalie:

Jonathan Quick