FGD 52: Back in action against the defending champions (5pm MT, SN West)

After a lengthy break, two teams heading into different directions meet in America’s capital city. The Calgary Flames (33-13-5, 71 points) are hockey’s hottest team, while the Washington Capitals (27-17-6, 60 points) are on a losing skid and desperate to find some momentum.

The action kicks off at 5 p.m. MT on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Projected lines, via Daily Faceoff:

Mike Smith starts for the Flames, backed up by David Rittich (who’ll start Sunday afternoon in Carolina). The projected scratches are Austin Czarnik and Dalton Prout.

The Flames head into the NHL’s home stretch in sole possession of second overall and with a fair bit of wiggle room in regards to their playoff hopes. They’ve gone 11-1-2 since the Christmas break and have simply found ways to win. They haven’t consistently played good hockey since Christmas, but they’ve won anyway. If they can find their consistency, they’re going to have a smooth ride into the playoffs.

Projected lines, via Daily Faceoff:

Braden Holtby starts for the Capitals, backed up by Pheonix Copley. Jonas Siegenthaler and Nic Dowd are the projected scratches. Due to skipping the All-Star Game festivities, Alex Ovechkin is suspended for this game.

The Capitals have lost seven in a row and are a team that has simply found ways to lose lately. They’re definitely not a bad hockey club – they won the damn Stanley Cup last season – but they’re not consistent enough lately. A reeling Capitals club missing their best offensive weapon could be a good opportunity for the Flames to grab some points.

The Flames are without Michael Stone.

The Capitals are without Christian Djoos.

This is the final game of their season series. The Capitals beat the Flames 4-3 in a shootout in late October in Calgary’s first game after their 9-1 loss to Pittsburgh.

Your Capitals Twitter follows for tonight:

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