The Flames have failed the first two big tests the’ve faced this season in the Penguins and the Canucks. Both opponents handed the Flames their asses without much issue, which of course has been Calgary’s weakness for three or four years running now – an inability to match up to the upper echelon clubs.

The Red Wings enter tonight on mini tailspin, but that’s not indicative of the quality of the team. They remain amongst the NHL’s heavy hitters and are a formidable adversary, particularly in their own barn. Calgary will have to be vastly better relative to their performances against Vancouver and Pittsburgh in order to have a chance this evening.