Game 20 – Flames vs Red Wings Live Chat

Ironically, a couple of the Flames better games in the first quarter have been against the Red Wings and Blackhawks – clubs that have routinely beat up Calgary previously. Tonight, the Flames will try to repeat the feat against the Red Wings, although the prior win featured several goals by a line that probably won’t be in play tonight – Iginla/Jokinen/Glencross.

That match featured Iginla’s best asset as things stand – his shot. The captain is still dangerous with the puck on his stick in the slot and around the net, so they’ll need more of that if a win tonight is the goal.

He’s only scored once since, but it should be noted the first line’s scoring chances numbers have improved since Backlund rejoined the active roster. The goals haven’t been there, but the arrows are going in the right direction. Consider the fact that Backlund’s relative corsi rating (his possession rate less the team’s possession rate when he’s on the bench) is an incredible +24.5/60. The puck is moving in the right direction with Backs on the ice, so we can expect a break out for him (and perhaps Iggy and Tangs) sooner rather than later I think. Maybe it starts tonight?