The 4th game of a 6 game roadtrip is trouble enough for a team that struggles away from the confines of home like the Flames do. But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far their problems go...
Tonight Calgary rolls into LA to play their 2nd game in 2 nights after having their asses handed to them by the Ducks. They desperately need 2 points thanks to the tight NW division and already having lost 2 of the last 3 games. Problem is, they may have up to 6 regular skaters out due to injury as reports on the local radio suggest all of Kristian Huselius, Jeff Friesen and Alex Tanguay were hobbled in the aftermath of yesterday's beating. Did I mention they are playing Jamie McLennan in place of the exhausted Miikka Kiprusoff? The same McLennan who hasn't played in weeks and hasn't won a game all year?
What a friggen nightmare. Add all that to the fact the Flames road PP STILL resembles a confused pack of monkeys on vallium and one can already see the writing on the wall for this evenings contest. As far as the Kings go, they'll be getting a boost tonight with the return of blueline sniper Lubomir Visnovsky. And while LA's record doesn't frighten anyone, the fact that they are the 3rd best team in the league at generating shots should certainly give the Flames pause - mainly because they're both tired and playing their below 900 SV% goaltender.
The clouds wouldn't be so dark if Calgary weren't totally hopeless at the PP on the road. To further compound the suck-fest, the Flames primary stength - 5on5 play - has also abandonded them on this ill-fated trip (they've given up 3 ES goals against in the last 3 games). Which is, of course, not a total shock considering all the wounded personnel. But it certainly doesn't paint a rosey picture for the impending match.
I hate to be pessimistic, but I wouldn't bet the farm on Calgary tonight. Way, way too many obstacles to overcome in this one. To any Flames fan reading this, avoid the PPV this evening and start praying for a couple of Calgary wins in Colorado and San Jose. And maybe an Edmonton loss or two as well.
