As the trade deadline nears, the schedule for the Calgary Flames organization does not stop as it approaches. Here’s a look at all the games involving the Flames, the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers, and the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush for this week.
NHL week at a glance
Calgary Flames vs Winnipeg Jets – February 19
The Central Division powerhouse of the Winnipeg Jets (33–14–5) come to the Saddledome for this Monday night matchup against the Pacific Division Flames (25–25–5).
The Flames come into this game at exactly the .500 mark, still waddling between retooling and slim playoff hopes for this season. The Flames are also hoping to snap their three-game losing streak and right the ship, as they currently sit 4–6–0 in their last 10 games. Likewise, the Jets have also had recent struggles going, 5–4–1 in their last 10. Unlike the Flames, they enter Monday’s game on a three-game win streak and look to continue that.
Keys to the game:
- Goaltending remains hot for both teams as the tandem of Connor Hellebuyck (.927) and Laurent Brossoit (.920) are having stellar seasons. The Flames’ expected starter—Jacob Markstrom—is also having a great statistical season (.914).
- Defensive play: The Jets have allowed the fewest goals in the entire league at 2.27 per game, while also stifling opposing shooters to only 28.9 shots per game—the seventh-lowest in the league. The Jets are also quite a disciplined team, only taking 8.3 penalty minutes per game this campaign.
- Offensive woes: who will step up for the Flames after the Elias Lindholm trade? The team is still searching for an internal replacement for Lindholm’s top line spot.
Calgary Flames vs Boston Bruins – February 22
It’ll be an uphill battle for the Flames this Friday, as the Boston Bruins fly to Calgary. The Bruins (32–12–11) currently sit second in the battlefield that is the Atlantic Division, only one point behind the division-leading Florida Panthers. The Boston-based team hopes a trip to Alberta can help, as they play the Edmonton Oilers on the 21st, and the Flames the following night on the 22nd.
Much like the Flames, the Bruins are on a skid too, dropping their last four in a row entering their Monday tilt.
Keys to the game:
- Goaltending: The tandem of Linus Ullmark (.913) and Jeremy Swayman (.921) have led the Bruins to give up the fourth-least goals in the league at 2.64 per game.
- Special teams potency: The Bruins have a deadly power play this season, led by Czechia-born David Pastrnak’s eleven goals. The Flames are no slouch either, as they have the fourth-best penalty kill in the league at 83.6%. Special teams might just determine this one.
- Can the Flames shut down David Pastrnak? The Czechia-born sniper is a threat whenever he jumps on the ice—he’s fourth in the league in scoring with 79 points so far this season. He’s an impact player, but can the Flames alter that for one game?
Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers – February 24
The good ol’ Battle of Alberta gets rocking at Rogers Place this Saturday. The Oilers (32-18-1) have been rolling in their last 10—going 7–3–0—and look to continue that pace when they welcome the Flames this Saturday as the Rocky Mountain Rivals write the newest entry to their 2023–24 season.
Keys to the game:
- The dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl: Enough said.
- Can the Flames weather the storm? The Oilers currently sit top-five in goals per game (fifth), shots per game (third), and power play percentage (fourth). To make matters worse, the Oilers also limit the quality and quantity of opponent shots, only allowing 28.1 per game (fourth).
- Faceoff dot showdowns: Sounding like an ice-hockey western, both teams are quickdraws at the dot. The Flames have the 11th-best win percentage at 50.8% and the Oilers are 8th with 52.1%. Faceoffs can help determine puck possession, which can alter the flow of the game.
AHL week at a glance
Calgary Wranglers at Abbotsford Canucks – February 19
It’s a minor league Pacific Division showdown. It’s a battle of two teams looking to turn their recent results around, as the Abbotsford Canucks (23–17–5) have struggled in their past 10—going 3–5–2—with hopes that Monday’s matchup can turn it around. The Wranglers (26–16–5) have also been lukewarm recently, playing just .500 hockey in their past 10—going 4–4–2. The Wranglers are 1–0—1 midway through a four-game road trip.
Keys to the game:
- The return of key players: Wranglers regular top-six forward Cole Schwindt and starting goaltender Dustin Wolf have been reassigned to the AHL after stints with the Flames, which surely helps their chances this week.
- Goal-stingy: The Wranglers have been top-ten in defensive play this season (due to a combination of goaltending and defence); they have only allowed 2.81 goals per game.
- Build off of the momentum: The Wranglers defeated the Canucks 2–1 this past Saturday and look to continue that trend against their Pacific Division rival.
Calgary Wranglers at Manitoba Moose – February 23 and February 24
After their matchup against the Canucks, the Wranglers leave Abbotsford and head west to Winnipeg to face the Jets’ AHL affiliate: the Manitoba Moose. The Moose have had a disappointing season as they currently sit largely outside of the AHL playoff picture with a 18–26–2 record. Recently, they have been playing comparatively great hockey, going 6–3–1 in their past 10. These two teams faced each other in a similar two-game series last week, with each coming away with a win.
Keys to the game:
- Moose underperforming forwards and goaltending: Mixed with the strong defensive metrics for the Wranglers, it sounds like a recipe for success, provided the Wranglers can capitalize on a demoralized squad.
- An opportunity: It has been a struggle for some Wranglers, notably first year forward Luca Ciona, and veteran leaders Alex Gallant and Oscar Dansk. Perhaps this is the game where they turn their individual seasons around.
ECHL week at a glance
Rapid City Rush at Greenville Swamp Rabbits – February 22 and February 24
It’s a David and Goliath story for the Rapid City Rush this week, as they’ve struggled to gain any traction this season, sporting a 19–28–2 record for the 2023–24 campaign. The challenges won’t be any easier for the South Dakota squad, as they head down to South Carolina to take on one of the top teams in the ECHL right now in the form of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (34–15–2) in two regular season games. If there is one silver lining for the Rush, it’s that both teams have been struggling lately, with the Swamp Rabbits playing just over .500 hockey in their past 10, going 5–4–1.
Keys to the games:
- Goaltending woes are rapidly apparent: The Rush simply can’t keep the puck out of their net, as their tandem of, Matt Radomsky and Jason Pawloski continue to struggle this season.
- Momentum shift: The crucial first goal would boost morale for a demoralized team, and a forward like Simon Boyko has been hot, scoring six goals in his first 11 ECHL games this season.
A lot of hockey for the Flames organization this week
The Calgary Flames are hoping to keep their playoff hopes this season alive and well this week. The Calgary Wranglers are trying to shift the momentum as the Calder Cup playoffs near. The Rapid City Rush want to finish off the last third of their ECHL season strong.
What games are you most excited for this week? Let us know.
