FGD: Prelude

Alright folks, I know we are all a little buzzed from the teasing of the  OFFICIAL news that our loveable group of try-hards is about to get an extra special dose of hobbit magic. BUT. There is still a game to play before that against the Winnipeg Jets. We are going to have a whole lot more on the big day in a little bit but in the meantime, there is still another hockey game to be played tonight.

So, consider this Gaudreaustmas Eve, but first your parents are making you go to church. And Kevin Westgarth is giving the sermon.

Lineups and abbreviated preview after the jump!

Here is the Flames lineup thanks to our buds at Daily Faceoff:

Ramo 

The Flames have won a bunch of games in a row, largely thanks to Karri Ramo who has been unreal. Really, really good. That has emerged as another encouraging sign to come out of this season. 

After the birth of his second child, Paul Byron draws back into the lineup, only days before he is placed on the wing with Cammalleri and another rather small forward. RIGHT?! we all wanna see that right? Maybe they can all stand on top of each other with an oversized trench coat? That would put butts in seats. Ken King, call me.

I think we all kinda felt for poor BvB the other day after his highly publicized turnover that lead to the third Kings goal. Poor kid, he looked crushed. Hopefully he can shake it off and continue trying to prove that he is NHL material. 

Here is the Jets lineup thanks to Dailyfaceoff:

The Jets are a mediocre team that are going to miss the playoffs again. There roster isn’t really anything special to be honest. I do like Frolik though. Blake Wheeler has also had a pretty good season as well.

Also, Olli Jokinen is back and now he has hair. Am I the only one who just kinda assumed he couldn’t grow hair at all? Either way, I am still 95% sure he is an alien.  

The Flames are awaiting the arrival of the Gaudfather so this game is one that isn’t really registering high on anyone’s memorable-meter. In fact, I think even the most strident observers to the “win-every-game-to-build-a-winning-culture” mantras would acknowledge that it might be okay to drop this one..

Either way, if Ramo continues to play the way he has, there is no possible way to lose. He is too cool and his mask, too sweet.

Puck Drops at 7pm MT on SNET West