The Calgary Flames are set to face the Anaheim Ducks today at 6 p.m. MT, marking the second of back-to-back games after a narrow defeat against the Los Angeles Kings. As they head into the matchup with a record of 24-28-6 and 54 points, the Flames will need to bounce back quickly against a Ducks team that currently sits in a playoff position, boasting a record of 32-23-3 and 67 points.
Despite a challenging travel schedule along I-5 from Los Angeles to Anaheim, the Flames are expected to rise to the occasion. Anaheim has demonstrated depth and resilience this season, relying on a mix of young talent and solid depth players to stay competitive even with key injuries.
The Flames’ lineup is anticipated to see some changes as they aim to optimize their performance after a tough loss. The projected forward lines include Connor Zary centering for Nazem Kadri and Joel Farabee, while Blake Coleman teams up with Morgan Frost and Matvei Gridin. Meanwhile, Yegor Sharangovich, Mikael Backlund, and Matt Coronato round out a notable third line. The defensive pairings feature Yan Kuznetsov with Zach Whitecloud, alongside Kevin Bahl with MacKenzie Weegar, and Joel Hanley, who joins Zayne Parekh.
With Devin Cooley likely taking the net after Brayden Pachal and Ryan Lomberg may rotate into the lineup, the Flames hope to gain momentum following two solid outings from goaltender Dustin Wolf. Though they showcased a commendable defensive game against the Kings, the offensive zone performance has been under scrutiny, necessitating a more aggressive approach to create scoring opportunities.
On the other side of the ice, the Ducks expect Lukas Dostal to start in goal. The Ducks’ roster, despite missing some key players like Petr Mrazek and Troy Terry, has shown the ability to adapt and maintain a competitive edge. Their ability to play fast and strategically has made them a formidable opponent.
As both teams prepare for this matchup, the Flames must step up offensively and capitalize on their chances, while the Ducks aim to leverage their depth and speed to outmaneuver Calgary. This encounter promises to be a crucial one for both franchises as they navigate the rest of the season.