SPEAKING WITH THE ENEMY: Flames at Jets
7 years ago
The Flames and Jets hook up for the second time this season and we’ve asked writers from both FlamesNation and JetsNation to get us set up for the game. We’ve also put together a few quick stats to get you ready for the last Nation battle of the year.
Please note that this article is posted at both FlamesNation and JetsNation
THE MATCHUP
Monday, January 9th, 2017 – MTS Centre (Winnipeg) – 7 pm (CT)/6pm (MST) on TSN 3/Sportsnet West
| Calgary Flames | Winnipeg Jets |
| 22-18-2 (4th in the Pacific) | 19-20-3 (5th in the Central) |
| 6-4-0 in their last 10 | 6-4-0 in their last 10 |
| Power Play (PP%): 20.7% (12th) | Power Play (PP%): 17.2% (18th) |
| Penalty Kill (PK%): 81.6% (16th) | Penalty Kill (PK%): 77.1% (7th) |
 |  |
Today’s Meeting:
The last time these two teams met was back in early December when the Flames made short work of the visiting Jets by a score of 6-2. Coming into today’s game, the big story was in regards to the health of Finnish sniper, Patrick Laine, after he left Saturday’s game in the third period with a concussion. The Flames, meanwhile, wrapped up a home and home series with Vancouver in which Calgary played well but was only able to win one of the two games.
Points Leaders:
Patrik Laine (WPG) – 21G, 16A = 37 points
Mark Scheifele (WPG) – 17G, 20A = 37 points
Nikolaj Ehlers (WPG) – 14G, 22A = 36 points
Mikael Backlund (CAL) – 12G, 15A = 27 points
Johnny Gaudreau (CAL) – 10G, 17A = 27 points
Matthew Tkachuk (CAL) – 7G, 18A = 25 points
Goaltenders:
Calgary
| Player | GP | GS | W | L | T | OT | SA | GA | GAA | S | Sv% | SO | MIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chad Johnson | 23 | 23 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 669 | 52 | 2.28 | 617 | .922 | 3 | 1,369 |
| Brian Elliott | 20 | 19 | 8 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 515 | 57 | 2.95 | 458 | .889 | 0 | 1,158 |
Winnipeg
| Player | GP | GS | W | L | T | OT | SA | GA | GAA | S | Sv% | SO | MIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor Hellebuyck | 31 | 29 | 15 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 875 | 79 | 2.75 | 796 | .910 | 2 | 1,726 |
| Michael Hutchinson | 16 | 13 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 395 | 42 | 3.18 | 353 | .894 | 1 | 793 |
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Why is your team going to win or why will your enemy lose?
Ari Yanover (FlamesNation):
The Flames have played well overall this season, and that’s without many of the guy theoretically should be their best players not performing. Matthew Tkachuk, Mikael Backlund, and Michael Frolik are arguably one of the best lines in the entire NHL right now, and T.J. Brodie has really started to come back into form to round out a solid top three defence group with Dougie Hamilton and Mark Giordano.
They also aren’t exactly suffering any injuries as bad as the Jets losing Laine.
Jacob Stoller (JetsNation):
The Jets will win because their ticked off. Having a young superstar like Laine sidelined isn’t going to sit well with that room and veteran players like Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien don’t seem to sit well with losing in this fashion.
Who’s hot? Who’s not?
Ari Yanover:
The aforementioned 3M line is quite the group; Tkachuk is currently riding a nine-game point streak (longest out of all rookies this season!) with 10 points over that time, while Backlund has scored 11 points in his last seven games (his six-game point streak just got snapped), and Frolik has nine in his last seven.
Jacob Stoller:
Nikolaj Ehlers has been getting plenty of hype for his play as of late. Ehlers has 12 points in his last 10 games and 9 of his 14 goals this season have come in that stretch. Blake Wheeler, who can be somewhat underrated at times, has 10 points in his last 10 games.
Why should people watch this game?
Ari Yanover:
The Battle of Atlanta! The Flames and Jets have had some pretty entertaining matchups since the Jets moved up to Winnipeg. Also, Tkachuk in all his glory is something to witness. I know he’s Keith’s son and all, but be prepared to hate him.
Jacob Stoller:
People should watch this game because the Flames and Jets are exciting teams to watch. The speed and skill from both teams can be a recipe for an exciting game.
Say something nice about your opponent.
Ari Yanover:
I’m really sad Laine is out; I like him a whole lot. I hope Johnny Gaudreau lays another bone crushing hit on Byfuglien.
Jacob Stoller:
Johnny Gauderau is a great hockey player and it’s not very nice when opponents slash him.
Any last words?
Ari Yanover:
I’ll wish you guys better luck for next season, since this season we’re competing for wild card spots and all.
Jacob Stoller:
I for one would like to see Jarome Iginla back in a Flames sweater.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Join in the conversation on Twitter at @FlamesNation and @NHLJetsNation to give us your thoughts on the game. Social media not your thing? Keep the battle going in the game day articles at both FlamesNation.ca and JetsNation.ca.
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