The Flames kick-off November by hosting the Minnesota Wild tonight. The suprising Wild have started the new season off strong, gathering 14 points in their first 12 games. Minnesota's victories have come in dramatic fashion, often clobbering what are supposedly much stronger teams - consider the Flames (6-3) and Canucks (6-0) were both dominated by a Wild team boasting largely fringe-type players and lacking Marion Gaborik. Apparently the "new NHL" works out just fine for the fleet-footed squad. The challenge now for the Wild will be to continue the success for the full campaign.
And now for some stats -
Wild leaders:
- Marc Chouinard - 6G, 5A
- PM Bouchard - 5G, 6A
- Todd White - 4G, 7A
- Brian Rolston - 4G, 5A
- Manny Fernandez - 4 Wins, 1.65 GAA, .947 SP (Wow!)
Apparently the Wild will be without Gaborik again tonight due to a nagging groin injury. Mikko Koivu may return to the line-up to play his first NHL game.
Flames Considerations:
The Flames very much need to win this game tonight. Four losses on the road, including the heart-breaker to San Jose, have them teetering on the brink of an Oilers-like slump (NOOOOOOO). With Iginla starting to turn it up, Calgary has to start to turn their season around. No time like the present.
Also, it sounds like the Flames will be without the likes of Regehr and McCarty tonight, although it seems the return of both players is imminent. I heard some sketchy reports after the Sharks game that Chris Simon may also be hurt...however Im not too sure where that stands at this time. Lombardi, of course, is out of commision...
All I have to say is...WIN FLAMES...OR I WILL JUMP OFF THIS BUILDING.
stats found here.
