It's the battle of the early season disappointments. The reigning champs have 1 more win and 3 more points than the flickering Flames and own an even worse GD (-9 vs -7). Their special teams as almost as deplorable and they've only scored 2 more goals than the Edmonton Oilers. Also, they have Todd Bertuzzi.
It may not be about who plays better tonight, just who sucks less. The Ducks are an unimpressive 3-7-1 on the road so far, while the Flames are a median 6-6-2 at home. Both clubs are coming off disheartening losses. Neither can seem to put together any kind of consistent winning streak. Tonight's game really might be the professional sport equivalent of a bum fight.
To brandish a shop-worn bromide, the Flames are starting to venture dangerously close to "must-win" territory for various reasons (see post below). There's lots wrong with the team, but the first real step towards redemption begins and ends with Kiprusoff's play. He's been victimized by bad bounces and bad defense so far, but, let's face it, that hasn't stopped him from being spectacular in the past (see last year's play-offs for evidence). There's something wrong in the typically unflappable Fin's world right now and it needs to be corrected as quickly as possible. Even if all the other suck were suddenly righted, the Flames still stand little chance of success with Kipper doing his best Andrew Raycroft impression.
Prediction - None. I'll let the rapture stand alone for now.
- Oh yeah - Aucoin, Yelle and Nolan are all hurt (Nolan's a GTD) meaning Boyd, Smith (probably) and Tim-freeking-Ramholt are in the line-up tonight. This could get ugly despite the crappy, hung-over opposition.
Visit Sleek for his equally depressing preview.
