Welcome to the Game Day Fire Drill, for this, Calgary’s 52nd game of the season on Jan. 25, 2010.

Let me get this straight, even before the Flames turned to total crap in the last few weeks, they couldn’t play well against the St. Louis freaking Blues?

Yep, it says right here on the internet that the Flames are 1-0-2 against St. Louis this season, with the only win coming in overtime, and thus conceding five of a possible six points while only earning three themselves (this thanks to Dec. 23rd’s shootout win).

How is that even possible? Look, we can all agree things haven’t been going well at the Saddledome, but I wouldn’t have thought the Flames would have given the Blues close to 10 percent of their total wins this season. This ain’t exactly the ’72 Bruins here, and really it’s not even the ’09 Blues. This is a team doing far worse than it did last season, and the Flames at least beat that team three times out of four.

It’s all very disconcerting these days. You know that. A loss to the Blues tonight, which seems somewhat likely, would stretch the losing streak to Oilerish extents, and that’s not something anyone can get behind. So many problems need addressing. It’s almost impossible to know where to start.

Well, a win would be nice, but maybe that’s asking for the moon, y’know?

 

The Calgary Flames (26-19-6 for 58 points. Tied for eighth in the West, third in the Northwest) and the St. Louis Blues (22-21-8 for 52 points. Thirteenth in the West, fourth in the Central).

7:30 p.m. Mountain time and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. All other time zones should stand up to bullies.

Pengrowth Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta.

Calgary is 12-11-3 at home this year, but have two goals in their last three home games. The Blues are 13-7-4 on the road, which means they are appreciably better there than in St. Louis, which is bad news for Calgary.

Success — They haven’t lost to the Flames in four straight games dating back to last year, and haven’t allowed more than two goals against them in any of those. Great news.

Chris Mason — His goaltending numbers aren’t stellar or anything, but he’s got the Blues 2-0-1 against the Flames this year thanks to a 1.92 GAA and .923 save percentage.

Jay McClement — For real, he has eight points in his last eight games. Yes, Jay McClement. Know who doesn’t have anywhere near eight points in his last eight games? Jarome Iginla. He has two. TWO!

Because they have to beat the Blues sometimes right. Enjoy the game and don’t cry too hard in the comments section.