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The Matchup: The Calgary Flames (27-18-8 ; SBN Blog: Matchsticks and Gasoline) at the New Jersey Devils (27-17-8)
The Time: 7:00 PM
The Broadcast: TV - MSG+
The Flames Break-Down: The Calgary Flames lost six-straight games before sweeping a home-and-home series against the Chicago Blackhawks. Those two wins secured them a season sweep of the Blackhawks, and kept them only a point out of the Western Conference wildcard race. Calgary plays in the Pacific Division, a cake-walk compared to the immensely competitive Central. However, in spite of those facts, the team remains on the outside looking in. Their goaltending has been good. The former Coyote, Mike Smith, has played very well for them this season. Calgary has also had the big contributions of the ever-exciting, undersized Johnny Gaudreau, as well as other core players such as Sean Monahan, Mikael Backlund, and Dougie Hamilton. They also have new faces like Matt Tkachuk and Smith, who have bolstered the team.
Lack: Eddie Lack was a Calgary Flame on December 29, 2017. On December 30, he had become a New Jersey Devil. New Jersey sent Dalton Prout to Calgary in exchange for Lack, who started a few games here and there, but in general was seldom the starter this season, with the Flames opting to go with Mike Smith more often than not.
Lineups: With Cory Schneider still hurt, I’d expect we could see Eddie Lack grab the starting reigns here tonight against his former team. However, that’s just an assumption I’m making. No official word has come down as of yet about the teams’ lineups. I’d expect we’ll hear more following the morning skate session.
Your Thoughts: How do the Devils match up against Calgary in your opinion? Can New Jersey get back in the win column tonight at the Rock? Any changes you’d like to potentially see to the lineups? Leave your thoughts below.