FGD 74: A tale of two cities (7pm MT, SN West)

Two Canadian franchises on distinctly different trajectories meet tonight at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Calgary Flames (45-21-7, 97 points) host the cellar-dwelling Ottawa Senators (25-42-6, 56 points). The Flames are tops in the Western Conference, while the Senators are the National Hockey League’s worst club.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. MT on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet 960 The Fan. The Flames opened as a heavy (-300) favourite per Oddshark’s moneyline.

Guesswork projected lines, via Daily Faceoff:

Mike Smith starts tonight, backed up by David Rittich. The expected healthy scratches are Dalton Prout, Oliver Kylington, Michael Stone and Alan Quine. Curtis Lazar will likely be sent to the AHL following the game, as his emergency recall will be terminated when Sam Bennett and Sean Monahan are able to play.

Since breaking their four game skid, the Flames have won four of their last five games. They’re in a position where if they keep beating teams below them in the standings, they’re going to be in good shape for a favourable playoff spot. Their magic number to clinch top spot in the Pacific Division (and Western Conference) is eight Flames wins and/or San Jose losses.

Last night’s lines, via Daily Faceoff:

Craig Anderson starts for the Senators, backed up by Anders Nilsson. Colin White was their extra forward last night against the Canucks, so he might swap in. They’ve recalled Vitaly Abramov, Filip Chlapik and Erik Brannstrom from the AHL’s Belleville Senators. Cody Ceci is out for Brannstrom, while Jean-Gabriel Pageau is out with a one game boarding suspension so one of Chlapik or Abramov will dress in his place tonight.

The Senators are dead last in the NHL. They played, and lost, last night in Vancouver. This is a game the Flames absolutely are expected to win given their relative places in the standings.

What can we say about the Senators? They’re a team.

The Flames are without James Neal, who’s close to a return.

The Senators are without Marian Gaborik and Thomas Chabot.

This is the second of two games this season between the Flames and Senators. The Flames beat Ottawa 2-1 back in February off a late goal from Austin Czarnik.

Your Senators Twitter follows for tonight:

From peewee to the pros, Albertans love the atmosphere, energy, and life lessons that take place at rinks across the province. And where there’s an arena, you’ll find an ATB branch nearby—with our team members cheering and fundraising along with you. See more information at ATB.com.