FGD 69: A trip to Ottawa (5:30pm MT, SN West)

After snapping their four game losing skid on Wednesday night in scenic Buffalo, the Calgary Flames (33-25-10) are back in action and trying to extend their winning streak to two games when they visit the Ottawa Senators (23-32-11). The Senators are playing their second game in as many nights, as they dropped a 4-3 shootout decision to the Sabres last night. Can the Flames take advantage of a fatigued, non-playoff team? It’s the 69th game of the regular season, and the clock is ticking for the Flames as they try to track down a playoff spot.

The puck drops just after 5:30 p.m. MT on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet 960 The Fan.

Projected lines, courtesy of Daily Faceoff:

After coming just 17 seconds away from his first NHL shutout on Wednesday, David Rittich starts for the Flames. He’s 7-5-3 with a 2.96 goals against average and .904 save percentage. He’s backed up by Jon Gillies. The projected healthy scratches are Matt Bartkowski, Tanner Glass, Nick Shore and Chris Stewart.

The Flames begin the night two points out of a wild-card spot (chasing Colorado) and three points out of a divisional spot (chasing San Jose). They’re riding one win – but a very big win over Buffalo – and they’re in a space where they need to keep stringing together wins. With Ottawa, the NY Islanders and Edmonton as their next three opponents, the schedule’s on their side at least.

Johnny Gaudreau had two assists in Buffalo after being quiet for awhile. He enters the night 8th in the NHL in scoring.

Projected lines via Daily Faceoff:

Since Craig Anderson started last night against the Sabres, Mike Condon gets the nod for the Senators tonight. He’s 4-12-5 with a 3.24 goals against average and .901 save percentage. The projected scratches are Erik Burgdoerfer and Max McCormack.

The Senators have won three of their last five games, or three of their last eight depending on where you want to set the goal-posts. They’re a streaky team and they played last night against the Sabres. If the Flames push the pace, they should have a chance to capture two points.

Flames: Daniel Pribyl (knee), Kris Versteeg (hip), Marek Hrivik (upper-body) and Mike Smith (lower-body) are on the injured reserve.

Ottawa: Clarke McArthur (concussion) and Chris Wideman (hamstring) are on the injured reserve.

This is the second of two meetings between these clubs. The Flames lost 6-0 to Ottawa in the Saddledome back in October.

Here are some Senators Twitter accounts for added fun this evening!

Just like in Buffalo, the Flames really, really need two points out of this game. And also out of another nine games this season. And for a few teams ahead of them to start losing frequently.