Flames will be battling their ex-back-up and ex-centerman and the Phoenix Coyotes tonight in the 'Dome.
The two "former Flames" have had different levels of success since being dealt to 'Yotes - Sauve has remained the marginal back-up 'tender that he was in both Colorado and Calgary while Rhino has taken full advantage of his re-assignment, blossoming into the offensive threat everyone hoped he'd be here in Calgary. In fact, Reinprecht recently won offensive player of the week honors from the NHL.
Anyways, despite their humiliating 7-1 drubbing at the hands of the Oil Stains the other night, the Coyotes have put together a surprisingly decent run over the past 10 game (7-3-0). This suggests that:
a.) Phoenix might be playing "loose" and relaxed since their play-off hopes are all but extinguished and,
b.) Some of their newly acquired players might actually be helping the team out, unlike some other clubs that shall remain nameless (*AHEM* Vancouver).
Speaking of newly acquired, the Desert Dogs winger Oleg Kvasha won't be in the line-up tonight (or, indeed, for the rest of the season) according to TSN. While I dont think his lack will exactly hand the game over to Calgary, he has had 10 points for Phoenix since being dealt by the Islanders. So it's in no way a bad thing that he's injured.
So what might hand the game to the Flames? Word is, Sauve will be in the nets for the Coyotes tonight. While there is always the possibility that Sauve will be highly motivated to show-up the team that gave up on him, I consider it highly unlikely that he will out-duel Kiprusoff. Course, there's been other marginal back-ups we've had problems with this year, so I guess anything's possible.
As far as Flame's issues go, it sounds like a lot of their injured are almost ready to return. According to Peter Mahr this morning, Leopold, Lundmark and Warrener are all skating with the team. It would be exceedingly beneficial to Calgary if they could re-insert either Leo or Warrener or both back into the line-up. That would (probably) mean no more Mush hobbling around and the return of Ference to the 6th defenesman role (where is far more effective). There were no real indications if anyone will be returning for certain for the game tonight, so I guess we'll have to wait and see...
On the Line:
First in the NW and a play-off spot. Until Calgary passes that "96 point" threshold, every point is precious. In addition, the Flames can maintain or increase their 3 point bulge over the Avs with a win tonight.
So here's hoping the boys come out with a big effort this evening. Besides all the really important stuff listed above, we simply cannot lose to a team that Edmonton beat 7-1...
